Changes at the Canadian Gemini Office

Fond farewell to Andy WOODSWORTH -- Warm welcome to Dennis CRABTREE

With Andy Woodsworth's departure in July 1999 from the Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics to become Director General of the NRC Institute of Information Technology (andrew.woodsworth@iit.nrc.ca), we also lost his services as Canadian Gemini Project Manager. Over the past seven years he has steered us safely through a series of critical stages in the project.

In working with Andy (GAHW since 1992, JRR since 1997), we developed the highest respect for his capability and insight. He not only mastered the complex managment aspects of the Canadian Gemini work packages, but he also had an important impact in key discussions and decisions at the international level where he proved invaluable in solving delicate issues in the negotiation of work packages between the International Gemini Project and national institutions. Andy spearheaded with Gordon Walker the creation of the Canadian Gemini Office, which became -- and still is -- a model for the other Gemini partner countries. He carried out all of this with a characteristic cheerful quiet efficiency.

We wish Andy every success in a challenging new job and offer him our sincere thanks for a job well done.

We welcome Dennis Crabtree, who has been at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope for the last 4 years, as the new Canadian Gemini Project Manager. Dennis brings with him a precious experience of running the Canadian Astronomical Data Centre at HIA/NRC and as Associate Director of the CFHT. He is well primed for the challenges of the Gemini Project as it rapidly evolves into a fully functioning observatory.