The Radio Club of America (RCA) proudly announces its 2026 annual award recipients and its incoming class of 2026 Fellows. Since 1935, RCA has recognized through its awards program major contributors to wireless communications. This year, fourteen awards are being bestowed, and seven RCA members are being elevated to Fellow status.
The 2026 Awards and Fellows ceremonies will be held at the RCA Awards Banquet in Westin Times Square in New York City on November 21, 2026. For details, please see RCA’s website.
RCA’s Awards Program
Award recipients are announced each year. Nominations are accepted from anyone in the wireless industry. Two broad categories of awards include: (i) public awards for anyone involved in wireless, and (ii) member awards that are restricted to RCA members. RCA elevates members to Fellow status at the same event by invitation based on the individual’s contributions to RCA and to the art and sciences of wireless or broadcast communications.
Past award recipients include dozens of legends who created the wireless industry, including Edwin Armstrong, Martin Cooper, Jay Kitchen, Fred Link, Ted Rappaport, Henry Richter, Ulrich Rohde, and Joseph Taylor.
2026 Award Recipients
(RCA Service Awards will be announced separately)
RCA’s 2026 award recipients join a proud tradition of wireless legends. Each practitioner has dedicated significant time and talent toward the advancement or preservation of skills that advance the wireless industry. The 2026 awards are listed in award name alphabetic order.
Dr. Andrea Goldsmith, Armstrong Medal – first female recipient in history!
RCA’s first award was presented to Major Edward H. Armstrong for his invention of circuits that made AM and FM radio possible and for Major Armstrong’s lifetime of championing work that established the foundation for modern radio technology. The award, now known as the Armstrong Medal, is only bestowed when an individual has demonstrated excellence and made lasting contributions to the arts and sciences of radio.
Dr. Ajay Poddar, Dr. Arno Penzias Award for Contributions to Basic Research in the Radio Sciences
Established in 2023, this award recognizes significant contributions to basic research involving RF and related subjects to inspire future generations of scientific professionals.
Audrey McElroy, Carole Perry Young Professional Award
Established in 2023, the Carole Perry Young Professional Award was established to honor a Young Professional who was part of the RCA Youth Activities Program in their formative years and who has gone on to a career in wireless science.
Mal Gurian, Centenarian Award
Initiated in 1989, this award recognizes any living RCA member who is 100 years old.
Dr. Henry L. Richter, Centenarian Award (honorary)
Initiated in 1989, this award recognizes any living RCA member who is 100 years old.
Jack Winters, Lifetime Achievement Award
Established in 2015, RCA’s Board of Directors recognizes very significant achievements, and a major body of work accomplished over a lifetime, that has advanced the art and science of wireless technology.
Charles Kirmuss, Henri Busignies Memorial Award
The award, established in 1981, primarily recognizes achievements in the field of communications equipment and is granted to any person who has contributed substantially to the advancement of electronics for the benefit of humanity.
Anthony Rizi, Frank Gunther Award
Established in 1996, this award recognizes an individual for their dedication to the field of military communications.
Jay Adrick, Ralph Batcher Memorial Award
Established in 1976, this award is presented to an RCA member for their significant work in preserving the history of radio and electronic communications.
Charles Counselman, Dr. Ulrich Rohde Award for Innovation in Applied Radio Science and Engineering
Established in 2023, this award recognizes significant contributions to innovation in applied radio science and engineering in the wireless industry to inspire future generations of wireless professionals.
Mike Wolf, Excellence in Sales and Marketing Award
This Award is to recognize an individual who exhibits the “Esprit de Corps” of sales, marketing and promoting in the Wireless Industry. The ideal candidate should have been in the wireless industry for a minimum of 10 years. The nominee should not be judged on sales volume, but on their dedication to the wireless industry. They should demonstrate a professional and ethical approach to their business relationships. They should display integrity when representing the wireless industry and they should work for the betterment of the Radio Club of America.
2026 RCA Fellows
Elevation to Fellow is made by invitation only to RCA members who are in good standing for at least five years, in recognition of their contributions to the art and science of radio communications, broadcast, or to RCA are deemed outstanding by RCA’s Board of Directors. The following RCA members are elevated to Fellow status in 2025:
- Steve Floyd
- Rachel Jones
- Douglas Kwiatkowski
- Geoffrey Mendenhall
- Nick Pennance
- Nicholas Tusa
- Jack Varnado
Further Information
A complete listing of RCA Awards and previous recipients can be found at this link.
Founded in 1909, the Radio Club of America is the oldest, most prestigious group of wireless communications professionals in the world. Members are dedicated to the wireless arts and sciences for the betterment of society. The Radio Club of America is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.radioclubofamerica.org.
Source: Radio Club of America
Amateur Radio Daily
