Carolyn P. McDonald

Carolyn McDonald co-founded NavtechGPS (Navigation Technology Seminars, Inc.) in 1984 with Keith McDonald (retired 2010.) Carolyn and Keith recognized a gap in the technical education market for engineers in the then newly developing global positioning system market and the need for specialized GNSS training going forward. Carolyn’s management skills and Keith’s comprehensive knowledge of GPS technology proved to be a perfect match for the GPS technical seminar concept.

The core of NavtechGPS’ success has been its internationally recognized and highly skilled instructors who are fully supported by NavtechGPS focus on targeted course content and modest class sizes.

Since 1984, NavtechGPS has trained thousands of GPS/GNSS professionals. Under Carolyn’s leadership, NavtechGPS has become synonymous with high-quality, effective GPS/GNSS technical training.

In the 1990s, as the GPS industry grew, Carolyn started the GPS product division. In 2016, The Institute of Navigation recognized Carolyn’s achievements in GNSS education and training by naming her as the 2015 recipient of the Norman P. Hays Award for the development and production of over thirty years of engineering tutorials in the field of satellite navigation, timing and inertial navigation; and for the development and sustained support of the ION’s conference programs. However, many ION members and others in the GPS/GNSS industry may remember Carolyn best for leading the production of NavtechGPS’ Open Mic Night, that was held during ION GNSS conferences for 15 years, ending in 2017.