APS Announces New Executive Director

Received the following email from the APS this morning:

"The American Philatelic Society announced today the hiring of Kirk Gillis to be the eighth Executive Director of the Society. A seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in strategic growth across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Kirk brings a dynamic track record of innovation and impact. Most recently, he served as Deputy Associate Director and Chief Sales and Marketing

Officer for the U.S. Mint, where he led brand strategy, product development, e-commerce, and customer service for the numismatic and bullion programs. Under his leadership, the Mint's numismatic business grew by 50 percent over four years.

Gillis will assume the leadership role on July 14, 2025. He replaces outgoing Executive Director Scott English, who announced his departure in November 2024, completing almost ten years in the role. The APS Board of Directors established a Search Committee in November 2024, with outgoing President Cheryl Ganz serving as Chair.

"Kirk's joining the APS as Executive Director will further our mission to serve the philatelic community," added incoming APS President Mark Banchik. "He brings skills and insights which will allow the APS to remain at the forefront of our hobby." Banchik, who also served on the Search Committee, will take over as APS President at the Great American Stamp Show in August.

Kirk's background also includes launching and scaling successful digital ventures in East Africa, including ZoomTanzania and PinPoint Africa Media, which served major global brands. Earlier in his career, he helped establish the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, directing a national outreach campaign to grow outdoor participation in the U.S. A Navy veteran with degrees from Texas A&M University and the University of Rhode Island, Kirk brings a global perspective and entrepreneurial spirit to lead the APS into its next chapter.

On taking the lead at the APS, Gillis added, "I hope to draw from these experiences as I engage the philatelic community in a collaborative strategic planning process that will grow membership and ensure a vibrant future for the APS and philately overall."

English will remain at the APS through a transition period ending at the Great American Stamp Show in Schaumburg, Illinois.

Please joining us in welcoming Kirk to the APS!"

A coin guy, that should help.

Scott wasn't a stamp or coin guy and did OK so let's see what happens. It's really about raising and managing cash along with expanding the "base".

I'm ok with bringing in another non-stamp person, as long as that person brings some needed points of view and skills. This person's qualifications seem pretty good overall.

I hope that he reads and posts here, and on other forums as Scott occasionally did.

Since he is a coin person, I will say "welcome", but leave your slabs and slabbing at the door.

Exactly. The background needed for that could come from anywhere, theoretically speaking, but the fact that he comes from the Mint should be helpful - hopefully he 'gets' collecting and collectors.

Search committee seems to have found someone w start-up experience in technology driven fields. That could be a good match.

The Mint has been offering a a ridiculously expensive program that makes the USPS look like a charity, but I'm not sure how much the Mint is guilty Vs Congress. I have also not read good things about the Mint's customer service.

I will rill give him a chance, but instead of straddling the fence, I start with my back to the good side and my feet hanging over the bad side.

"It's really about raising and managing cash along with expanding the "base"."

If by 'base' you mean membership, from what I saw on APS site, every year that Scott was director the membership decreased.

I believe there were new hires for new positions during his time. Is it really necessary for 2 editors and a possible assistant (I thought I saw in one edition of the monthly an assistant was hired) to edit a so-so monthly? So, not so sure about how well Scott managed cash.

I was hoping for a collector to fill the position.

Of course much of that decline is because of reduced participation in the hobby as a whole, and other reasons beyond anyone's control. The deeper question is how well the loss of members is balanced with the introduction of new members, and whether a different director could do a better job with recruitment. Apparently Kirk Gillis has a good track record of growth at the Mint, let's hope that skill carries through from coins to stamps.

Membership peaked in 1988 and has declined almost annually since then. I graduated from high school that year. 50 percent of our membership decline every year is attributed to death. After ten years, I still couldn't solve that one.




We have an editor, an assistant editor, and a graphic designer. That's the same staff structure as the day I started. I'm sorry you don't like the AP. We always strive to hear how we can do better.




I am proud to have retired $5.4 million in debt in four years and maintain an organization that operates on business activity, not donated dollars. We've maintained annual membership at $45 since I walked in the door, despite inflationary pressures to increase it. Today, the APS is in the most financially sound position it has been in for the last 40 years, possibly longer.

I leave all the necessary resources to grow the organization, improve services, and expand our global reach. It's not a complaint, but it's far more than I inherited.

Scott

maybe he can get us our 10% discount on hipstamp

Yes, the Mint issued so many commercial coins and sets.

I am curious on why he wanted the job - pay, location, etc.. I do not believe anyone can solve the diminishing membership problem.

I believe APS is in a period with donors (often with specific demands) are responsible for current and the future financial viability so one job of the ED is not to aggravate them with dramatic changes.

Just my opinion, but I think the American Philatelist is a pretty good magazine. Definitely better than "so-so".

It's a good thing you have a thick skin Scott, but as you know it comes with the territory. When my wife was a Girl Scout leader she often got criticism for what she did or didn't do. She told me that it was a lot of aggravation for an unpaid position. The girls loved her and she still hears from some of then all these years later.

Lincoln, I believe it was a private letter to Joshua Speed, complained about the unfailing criticism whenever he did anything. "Speed I tell you if I get up early one morning I hear from half the country "you're working yourself to death! ; but I sleep late the next and I hear from the other half; you laggard,get to work!"
Nothing ever changes, nothing in human behavior at least is new. Keep the faith Scott.
regards m

Overwhelmingly, the APS members have been warm, friendly, and welcoming. I've truly appreciated being a part of the community for the past decade and will remain close to so many friends.

I can relate to the Lincoln comment; there was no warmth in a life of politics. I'm happy to be done with it.

Thank you for the kind note.

Scott

Thanks for all your contributions, Scott. Many of us will miss you.