Team USA,
I am thrilled, privileged, humbled and honored that I have been selected to serve you as Director of one of the finest Divisions in VATSIM.
Thank you all for the good wishes and the support. I really appreciate that. Thank you, in advance, for your trust, confidence and continued support going forward; I'm going to need that -- we all are -- so please make sure there's more where that came from.
I'd like to thank Gary Millsaps for his leadership at the helm of VATUSA over the past 3 years (as well as his several years in his first tour of duty). He brought a tremendous amount of knowledge and leadership to the table, did an admirable job as Division Director, and then came back to do it again a second time! As an ATM, I got only a slight peek into some of the behind the scenes work that goes on, and the amount of blood, sweat and tears, dedication and passion that Gary brought to the table is amazing.
One of the questions I asked when being presented this opportunity was what comments, suggestions and ideas the folks that expressed interest in the position had. It was excellent to hear that the vast majority of folks were very much aligned with my thoughts and feelings; focus on an innovative and more-standardized training program, retaining talent at all levels, instituting a staff that will help move the Division forward, and growth were a few of the main themes. It's incredibly important for all of VATUSA to align behind a common vision and move it forward. These themes are my primary focus right now, and I anticipate plenty of feedback in the coming days and weeks that will help me know what our Division needs to focus on and what our priorities should be.
I also read (and re-read several times) the thread on the qualities that are needed, wanted and expected out of the Division Director. The qualities listed in the thread are spot on; I have taken your input to heart, and will do everything I can to meet or exceed your expectations.
When this opportunity was presented to me last night, one of the things I was briefed on was the caliber of the applicants, so I feel good that there are a good number of very good people that were willing to (continue to) donate their valuable time and talents to benefit VATUSA and all of VATSIM. I was also briefed that it was an extremely close choice between the top two candidates. I asked two questions -- what was the deciding factor, and who was the other final candidate; I figured we could use all the strength that we could get to move the Division in the right direction as quickly as possible. I love the fact that I was selected based on losing rock, paper, scissors! At least it was the best two out of three.... ;-) But I was glad to hear that the other top candidate is indeed a strong leader, and am thrilled to announce that Bob Carmona will be joining the leadership team as our Deputy Director. Bob most recently served as the Miami ARTCC Air Traffic Manager, and led a team that continued Miami's fine traditions of excellence.
I will be, in the coming few days, asking for applications for those who would like to step up their game and contribute their time and talent in a staff role at VATUSA. There is an old adage out there, and it is increasingly true in our world that seems to get busier and more complicated every day: "Many hands make light work." The more people that step up and volunteer their time and talents, the easier it is on everyone who is trying to make a positive contributions, at all levels of the organization. It's also important to me not to "steal" so much from the ARTCCs to leave them without enough bench strength to continue on, but it's also important to all of us to have the right talent in the right role to work on making things better and more efficient for all of the ARTCCs. The Division staff works for the membership. Our role is to break down barriers and make life easier and better at all levels. Nothing is ever perfect, but that's what this Division leadership will endeavor to do. Given the right people in the right roles, aligned to a common vision and goals, we can and will do great things.
This is an incredible Division, infused with extraordinary talent at all levels. Let's continue to develop that talent, nurture and deliver excellence and fun, both to ourselves as well as to everyone who comes into contact with VATUSA. I look forward to working with this great team in my new role!
Don Desfosse
Division Director, VATUSA