RASC National Society: Open House
After five years at the helm, Randy Attwood has announced that he will step down as the Executive Director of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada effective October 25, 2019.
Randy has served as The RASC’s Executive Director since September 3, 2014, taking over from Deborah Thompson. Randy’s work has left his mark on the organization and positioned us for continued growth and success in the coming years.
Under Randy’s guidance, annual income has increased by nearly $300,000, membership has grown and The RASC has expanded its operations - hiring specialists in fundraising, marketing and youth outreach. Through his efforts, the national office has doubled in size, giving us the ability to better serve our members and Centres across Canada.
Randy played a key role in developing the Robotic Telescope Project. The project will be rolled out in early 2020 to provide RASC members with access to scientific and astrophotography data year-round from the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This telescope will also be made accessible to high-school classrooms to open the door to university-level research for the next generation of Canadian astronomers.
A crowning achievement of Randy’s tenure came as part of our 150th anniversary celebrations. For the first time, The RASC was recognized by the Royal Canadian Mint and Canada Post with a commemorative coin and two commemorative stamps.
A veritable encyclopedia of astronomy knowledge – particularly on the Apollo space missions, Randy brought credibility to our organization through countless interviews and appearances on prominent national radio and TV programs. His work in media, alongside the acquisition of SkyNews Magazine solidified our organization’s position as a voice of authority for all things astronomy in Canada.
“The Society has advanced in many ways in the time Randy has been Executive Director,” said RASC President Chris Gainor. “Under Randy’s direction, our fundraising efforts are bearing fruit in the form of new services, including the Robotic Telescope, the Rudolph Dorner Telescope Museum and youth outreach. Randy has also contributed to our publications and he has worked hard to ensure that we all enjoy SkyNews magazine as a membership benefit.
“Randy’s achievements as Executive Director are only part of the story. He also stands out for his long service in the Toronto Centre, his creation of the Mississauga Centre, and his work on the National Executive, capped by his time as National President from 1998 to 2000,” Gainor said.
“I can’t think of any other individual who has done more for The RASC than Randy Attwood. Randy is a Life Member and a Fellow of the Society, and so I know that we will be able to count on his counsel and help in the years to come.”
The RASC is working on hiring a new Executive Director to carry forward Randy’s work.
“It truly has been an honour to have been the Executive Director for The RASC,” says Attwood. “I had a certain list of goals that we were able to accomplish in my time here, and I’m really happy with where The RASC is right now. We all know the great potential this organization has, and I can’t wait to see where we are heading.”
To celebrate Randy Attwood’s tenure as Executive Director, we are hosting an open house on October 26. The event will run from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at our national office, located at 4920 Dundas Street, Etobicoke, ON. Members, volunteers and well wishers are welcome to attend.
Randy has asked that visitors do not bring gifts to the open house. However, if making a gift in recognition of Randy's contributions to RASC is desired, donations to the Robotic Telescope Project would be appreciated.
You can donate to the ongoing project here.
Who can attend: Everyone
Fee: Free
Registration: Not required
Organized by: Royal Astronomical Society of Canada
Location: 4920 Dundas St W, Unit 203, Toronto, ON
https://mailchi.mp/8122a480c195/special-announcement-from-the-rasc