Tom Suggs N4MTE is a longtime amateur radio operator, Parks on the Air board member, and one of the program’s dedicated activators. His journey into radio began as a teenager inspired by an uncle’s ham radio station, where a simple contact with Norway sparked a lifelong fascination with geography, communication, and the magic of radio. After earning his license in 1985, Tom spent decades chasing DX and enjoying the many corners of amateur radio before discovering Parks on the Air in its earliest days. In this conversation, Tom reflects on hearing one of the first “CQ Parks on the Air” calls back in 2018 and deciding to give the program a try at a nearby battlefield. One activation was all it took. Today, he plans multi-state activation trips that can include dozens of parks in a single week and has already activated parks in 38 states. Along the way, he’s explored hidden corners of America, learned local history, and built friendships with hunters and activators across the world. Tom also offers a candid look inside the Parks on the Air leadership transition from founder Jason Johnson, W3AAX, to the current board structure. He explains why explosive growth made a volunteer-led governance model necessary and discusses the challenges ahead—from scaling infrastructure and supporting a growing international community to clarifying program rules while preserving POTA’s famously low barrier to entry. His vision is simple: keep the program approachable, keep the rules clear, and let operators focus on getting on the air and enjoying the parks. Join the conversation and subscribe to Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio. Special thanks to DX Engineering for helping operators turn ideas into contacts, whether they’re activating a remote park, chasing a rare DX entity, or competing in a major contest. Their continued support strengthens the entire amateur radio community and helps keep operators worldwide on the air.