A Privilege and an Honor

I hate goodbyes. I’d rather quietly fade away, just as the alpenglow gradually gives way to the starlight. I wasn’t given that option, so rather than leaving a blank page, I find myself writing a farewell. While I have loved my role with Microwave Journal, I’m yearning for more space in my life, a pause in the incessant cadence of work. I want time for other interests. After all, it has been 47 years since I started my career.

When I received my undergraduate degree, my goal was to start a career as an audio engineer, designing loudspeakers, microphones or power amplifiers. However, the economy was in recession and job interviews with consumer electronics companies didn’t yield offers. The defense market was strong, though, and my first job led to RF/microwave and a fascinating and fulfilling career nurtured by this technology. I’ve had the privilege of working at four iconic firms: Texas Instruments, M/A-COM, TriQuint and Microwave Journal. I’ve contributed to semiconductors and subsystems for defense and commercial markets through many roles: design, program management, product management, marketing, business development and, finally, editor.

Not too many have the opportunity to contribute to a transformational change in technology. In my case, it was the development and commercialization of GaAs MMICs, beginning with their qualification and adoption in military systems— phased array radars have always been the Holy Grail—then “crossing the chasm” to cell phones, Wi-Fi and communications links. Along the way, I’ve learned about manufacturing, six sigma, business, acquisitions and leadership. I’ve had the privilege of seeing much of the world, developing a global perspective and friendships in many places.

My path would not have been possible without those who opened doors, mentored and challenged me. To them I am deeply grateful, as well as to my many colleagues: it has been an honor to meet and work with so many bright and dedicated individuals who make this industry what it is—vital to our lives and, economically, the healthiest it has ever been.

Throughout my career, my desk has always had a stack of Microwave Journals, each issue full of interesting and relevant articles to be read. While the IEEE journals track the advancement of technology, they miss the evolution of the markets and the companies that serve them. Microwave Journal is the closest we have to an archive of the industry, stretching back to 1958. Joining the editorial team was a serendipitous opportunity, a privilege to spend the past eight years contributing to this legacy, helping authors and companies tell their stories so they are preserved for coming generations.

Microwave Journal in all its forms—the magazine, Frequency Matters, webinars, podcasts, eBooks, conferences—is produced by an incredible team of smart, dedicated, fun, humble folks. It’s an honor to work with each person on the team. In this era of trade magazines being squeezed for profits until they disappear, I want to acknowledge the Bazzy family for their long-term commitment and leadership, providing the opportunity for us to do what we love to do.

I leave you in good hands. Eric Higham is assuming my role and brings deep knowledge of the industry from his years at Strategy Analytics, covering advanced semiconductors and the defense market. He and I met when I joined M/A-COM, and I have always respected his technical insight and approachable manner. He will be a good fit at Microwave Journal.