Retirement

[Mark Hubbert]

Dear VATUSA,

I’ve always believed that family and personal matters come first.  Recently, I have had events occur in my personal life which made me reflect on what my priorities should be.  I have had a family member hospitalized and in need of care at home.  Additionally, last week, a tornado touched down very close to my home.  These events have made me reevaluate my role as your Division Director. 

I have decided it would be best to retire and pass along the torch to my Deputy Division Director, Mani Manigault during the interim.  Mani and I have worked together for the last year and I’m confident he is prepared to take the reigns.  He is a leader who is well-equipped, well-spoken, and passionate for this Division’s future.  Rest assured, VATUSA is in the best of hands.

It has been an absolute honor to serve this vibrant community.  I’ll still be around, cheering from the sidelines, wishing this Division all the best. 

Thank You,

Mark Hubbert

[Dristin Rose]

I'll say, despite differences in opinion, I appreciate you stepping up to the plate for the years you did, Mark. Someone must take on the role and lead the division forward and you did just that. Enjoy retirement and I wish you the best of luck in the future.

[Dylan Lundberg]

Despite the major differences in our leadership styles, I wish you and your family the best. I can certaintly admit that it is  not an easy job.

Best of luck.

[David Stone]

Mark, I wish you all the best and hope to see you back when the winds of life swing around.

[Tony Jeppesen]

Mark!

While I wish the circumstances of your retirement were different, I believe a Congrats is in order! It has been a pleasure working with you and being apart of your team.  We had some ups and we had some down, but it was a great ride and I'd do it again with ya buddy! 

The Division is in a better place than where you found it.  Thank you for your blood, sweat, tears, and the time you committed to making this Division the best it can be.  I've enjoying being out on pasture and it brought me back to the roots of why I'm apart of this amazing community of volunteer who makes all this network. 

Best of luck in retirement!

-Tony

[Phil Dowling]

Mark.

Greetings from Canada. 

I am sad to see this post, but completely understand, life must always come first.

In my time as the Canadian DD I must say it has been an absolute pleasure to work with you!  It's been easy, which is the greatest compliment I can pay.  Our working relationship and ability to work through various challenges as well as high points has been a highlight of my time in the role.  So thank you so much for being a fantastic neighbor and I wish you all the very best for your future endeavors. I hope we shall see you occasionally "at the wheel" in Canadian airspace

Take care!

Phil Dowling

VATCAN Division Director

[Ernesto Martinez]

Sad to hear Mark but completely understandable. Real life always comes first.

Many often don't realize or appreciate the amount of work, time, and effort, often behind the scenes, that it takes to lead a division. Especially one as big as VATUSA.

I wish you all the best in your retirement! Now it's time to fly, control, and relax...

Take Care,

Ernesto

[Jason Diket]

Mark,
Even though we did not work closely together while I was TA at Zhu, now DATM at PCF,  I have always believed that life outside Vatsim comes first and I wish you the best on your retirement. I am sure Mani is the right man for the job. Cheers!

[Aaron Schwartz]

Mark,

Thank you for everything you have done for VATUSA. Like others have said, VATUSA is truly in a much better place from your leadership. I thank you for that and your constant support.

Enjoy retirement! I wish you and your family all the best!

Aaron Schwartz

[Alexandra Robison]

Mark,

Your contributions to the Division will never be forgotten. Thank you for all that you have done over the years to help make this place better than when you found it. I hope you enjoy retirement!

[Cameron Bristol]

Mark,

I never thought I'd see the day... the development of this division over your tenure was truly remarkable. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to - and time allotted towards - this community.

Godspeed my friend, keep in touch.

Cameron Bristol

[Sean OBrien]

Thank you Mark for all you've done for VATUSA, Even though we never spoke I truly believe you put your best effort into making VATUSA as enjoyable as it is and I certainly wish you the best with family and retirement. On behalf of everyone at PCF Thank you

[Karl Mathias Moberg]

Mark,

We've not always agreed on everything, and I know I have been a PITA at times... I need to truly thank you for what you have done for us and VATUSA. You've always been willing to listen to our thoughts, ideas, and frustrations and have always backed us as ARTCCs, helping us get things done. I cannot emphasize this enough: Thank you, Mark and I wish you and your family the very best in the future.

If you ever need an ARTCC to visit, feel free to reach out to us, you'll always be welcome.

Karl

[Mark Hubbert]

Thank You All

[Charles Messina]

Mark, best of luck in your endeavors!

You took over at a tough time and had many hurdles to overcome.  I think you did an admirable job.
Thank you for your service!