2025 APS, APRL election underway

By Linn’s Staff

The 2025 election of board members for the American Philatelic Society and the American Philatelic Research Library got underway in late April.

Directions for casting ballots (hardcopy and email) and candidate statements were published in the May issue of the American Philatelist, the official monthly journal of the APS.

To be counted, a ballot must reach the APS board of elections no later than noon on June 14, according to the APS. Further election details are in the May American Philatelist.

Just one race is contested, with five candidates running for the four available APS director-at-large seats.

Mark Banchik, who currently serves on the APS board of vice presidents, is running unopposed for president.

“As APS President I look forward to continuing our ‘trajectory to success,’” Banchik said in his statement. “Let’s build upon our strengths as we maintain relevance in an evolving world. The APS faces the ongoing challenge in how best to bring APS services to you. With ongoing updates to the APS website, Journal, and even provision of traditional member services we aim to enhance the overall ‘APS Experience.’”

Greg Galletti, Ronald J. Klimley and Dwayne O. Littauer are running as a group of three for the three-member APS board of vice presidents. Galletti currently serves on the board of vice presidents.

“As an active APS Board member, I have been passionate about promoting the APS and the American Philatelic Research Library (APRL) through enhanced use of digital media, website improvement initiatives, and expansion of the Mason Digital Library,” Galletti said.

“I am running for the APS Board of Vice Presidents because of the tremendous opportunities I see for the future of the APS. I know that my professional and philatelic experience can play a role in maximizing those opportunities for the benefit of all members,” Klimley said.

“I am running for the APS Board of Vice Presidents because I believe I can help the APS address several challenges it faces,” Littauer said. “One is keeping the APS relevant and useful to collectors in an age dominated by the internet and eBay as well as bringing more young people into the hobby. I believe in cooperating with others to build a consensus to reach goals.”

Ed Kroft is running unopposed for APS secretary.

“I am passionate about our hobby and very interested in promoting it to ensure its survival and expansion,” Kroft said. “I believe my service in various roles for several philatelic organizations inside and outside Canada will benefit the APS and its membership.”

Larry Haber is running unopposed for APS treasurer.

“APS members should expect a Treasurer with strong technical qualifications, the ability to collaborate in an atmosphere of trust, and a commitment to completing tasks,” Haber said. “The Treasurer must also safeguard APS assets and enhance its future potential. I hope to earn your confidence in my ability to fulfill these duties with diligence and integrity.”

Michael Cortese, David M. Klauber, Michael Mules, Steve McGill and Bruce Wasserman are in a contested race for the four open APS director-at-large positions. Cortese and McGill currently serve as a director-at-large.

“I am seeking re-election to continue my work as Director-at-Large for the American Philatelic Society, bringing a fresh perspective to organized philately,” Cortese said. “Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with passionate individuals and organizations, and I’m eager to expand this work moving forward.”

“As an enthusiastic, and lifelong fourth-generation stamp collector, I am dedicated to representing all current and prospective society members,” Klauber said. “I will work to ensure the improvement of the society’s services and positive outreach efforts.”

“I would like to be an APS board member as I want to take an active role in growing the hobby into the future,” Mules said. “We need to continue to expand our membership, and make stamp collecting relevant in a digital world, so others can experience the joy that philately has brought all of us.”

“I believe that the Director-at-Large position offers a unique point of contact with the philatelic community to express its opinion of the APS’ strengths and weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the hobby,” McGill said. “This is best accomplished through attendance of stamp shows, seminars, webinars and other philatelic events.”

“The APS has substantial impact, serving collectors, postal historians, and the general public through its varied programs,” Wasserman said. “I will represent current and future members to ensure their voice is heard, to support quality programs and to enable a vision for our organization’s future direction and planning.”

Jean Wang and Matthew Healey are running for the two open APRL trustee positions. Wang currently serves as a trustee, filling Galletti’s unexpired term through 2025.

“As an author and exhibitor, I understand well the importance of preservation and dissemination of philatelic research and knowledge, particularly digitization of library holdings to improve accessibility,” Wang said. “ … As a Trustee, I will work with the APS and APRL Board to ensure the continued success of the APRL’s important work.”

“As a lifelong collector, I am aware of how much philately has given me and I am always looking for ways to give back to the hobby,” Healey said. “When the suggestion came up that I consider running for a seat on the APRL Board of Trustees, I didn’t really need to think twice before agreeing. … I look forward to engaging with the APRL team, learning more about the library’s inner workings, and helping it fulfill its potential as the philatelic leader it deserves to be.”

As a founders/patron/Vooys fellow, Michael Bloom has been nominated as an APRL trustee and will not be elected at large, according to the APS.

“The American Philatelic Research Library is in a wonderful period of growth and innovation bringing it further into the digital age,” Bloom said. “I hope to further this through my energetic work as trustee.”

APS executive director Scott English voiced his support for all the candidates in his Our Story column in the May American Philatelist.

“I want to personally thank all the members who step up to serve as candidates,” English said. “Running for the Board takes time, energy, and a real love for the hobby. Whether elected or not, they deserve our appreciation for being willing to lead.”

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