WASHINGTON-Alan Shark is resigning as president of the American Mobile Telecommunications Association to become executive director of Public Technologies Inc., a nonprofit association that promotes technology benefits to local governments.
“We are very excited to have the experience and creative energy of Dr. Shark at the helm of PTI,” said Brian F. O’Neill, PTI chairman of the board and a Philadelphia council member. “His demonstrated leadership in both the technology and government arenas matches well with the goals of PTI.”
Shark, who joined AMTA in 1991, served longer than any other president of the trade group during a tumultuous period in the dispatch radio industry. Shark is expected to join PTI shortly. AMTA is putting together a search committee and exploring various options to replace Shark.
“We are very sorry to see Alan go and will miss his positive spirit and entrepreneurial leadership efforts. However, PTI appears to be an excellent fit for him and, speaking for the entire board, we wish him the very best,” said Joe Vestal, AMTA’s chairman of the board. “We have asked Alan to stay on as a strategic advisor for the near-term to assist in AMTA’s leadership transition and to work with us on AMTEX 2004.”
In addition to heading AMTA, Shark was executive director of the Rural Broadband Coalition and president of the Power Line Communications Association. It is unclear how those organizations are impacted as a result of Shark’s departure from AMTA.
“I feel blessed for having had the opportunity to work with such a committed and cohesive board and membership. I have truly valued my experience at AMTA and am pleased that my new role will permit me to maintain an association with the wireless industry as it pertains to local government technology opportunities,” Shark said.
AMTA, formed in 1985, represents wireless operators and dealers in the 216-220 MHz, 420-512 MHz, 800 MHz and 900 MHz bands. AMTA is also an FCC-certified frequency coordinator.
