2007 Distinguished Service Award

Presented to: Mr. John Lavrakas

Citation: In grateful recognition of his leadership and achievements on behalf of the Institute of Navigation.

Mr. John Lavrakas served as ION president from January 2007 – January 2008. Prior to his term as president he served on the ION Executive Committee and ION Council. He has also served on the Satellite Division Executive Committee for six years, including two years as chair. 

During his year as president, Mr. Lavrakas worked with the Publications Committee to improve the quality of NAVIGATION: The Journal of The Institute of Navigation making it eligible for inclusion in the Science Citation Index; worked with the Outreach Committee to improve the pool of qualified candidates for the Government Fellow Program; formalized a co-sponsorship agreement with the Joint Navigation Conference and worked to improve the quality and volunteer collaboration in the organization of ION’s technical meetings; moved the Virtual Navigation Museum to full operational capability; continued to improve international cooperation between ION and other international institutes; reviewed student and educational programs; worked with the National Office on an updated business plan; and reviewed the ION National Office management, operations, and employee benefits. Additionally, during his term as president, Mr. Lavrakas began discussions with volunteers for a new student program, The ION Mini-Urban Challenge. 

This award was presented in January 2008 at the ION’s National Technical Meeting when the newly elected officers took office.