Edward J. “Ned” Stearns, AA7A, is the once-and-present Vice Director of the ARRL Southwestern Division. Stearns, of Scottsdale, Arizona, served earlier as Southwestern Division Vice Director in 2005-2006. He topped the field of three candidates after ballots were counted on May 19 at ARRL Headquarters and will succeed Marty Woll, N6VI, who decided not to run for another term after serving since 2008. Stearns took over the office upon his election.

Stearns garnered 1,836 votes, while Grant Hays, WB6OTS, received 575 votes, and Frank Westphal, K6FW, picked up 762 votes.

Stearns has served on the ARRL DX Advisory Committee. Since September 2015, he has maintained the World Above 50 MHz Standings on the ARRL website. Licensed since 1963, Stearns has chased DX on all bands, operated as part of DXpeditions all over the world, and run moonbounce from home and abroad. He is active on all bands from 160 meters to 23 centimeters.