English to step down as APS executive director

By Charles Snee

Scott English announced Nov. 1 that he will step down as executive director of the American Philatelic Society.

“After nearly 10 years with the American Philatelic Society and the American Philatelic Research Library, I’ve made the difficult decision to move on to the next chapter in life,” English said in a message published on the APS website, www.stamps.org.

English was going to leave the APS in 2023, “but after discussions with the APS Board, I agreed to stay on to complete some much-needed work through 2026,” English said. “As we complete those projects in the months ahead, it is time for me to step aside for new leadership prepared to lead the organization, growing our community of collectors for the next decade.”

In response to a query from Linn’s Stamp News, English provided additional details about the timing of his departure.

“My agreement with the APS was to stay through the end of 2026 and then leave,” English told Linn’s. “My [Nov. 1] announcement was that I planned to leave sooner than that.”

According to English, he will remain as executive director while the APS board conducts a search for his replacement.

“I will work with the APS Board through a smooth transition to new leadership, which could take a year,” English told Linn’s. “My priority is working with the APS and APRL Boards and the great team in Bellefonte to make sure the next Executive Director can take office prepared to keep moving forward as a sustainable organization and meeting the needs of collectors.”

In his announcement, English recounted what he calls “some great wins” during his tenure at the APS. Some highlights include retiring the $5.4 million debt on the Match Factory that now houses the American Philatelic Center in Bellefonte, Pa., home to the APS and the American Philatelic Research Library; the recovery and subsequent sale of the position 76 United States 1918 Jenny Invert airmail error stamp from the McCoy block of four that was stolen in 1955; and forming the Great American Stamp Show in partnership with the American Topical Association and the American First Day Cover Society.

English shared some optimistic updates about the ongoing sale of the philatelic estate of Alfred Kugel, which was donated to the APS.

“Thanks to the kindness of Al and Dottie Kugel, we’ve secured more than $2.2 million to date for a website replacement and replacing the roof on a portion of the Match Factory,” English said.

English also shared positive developments for the Stephen Campbell Home of Online Learning and the Robert A. Mason Digital Library.

“Thanks to Karen Campbell, who pledged $100,000 to start the Stephen Campbell Home of Online Learning (Stamp SCHOOL),” English said. That pledge spearheaded the campaign to raise $250,000 to develop an education program for collectors of all abilities.

“I pledge to complete this campaign in the months ahead to offer members a full menu of options worldwide,” English said.

“Thanks to Bob Mason, whose estate helped us complete the mortgage debt payments in 2020, we launched the current digital library project, now known as the Robert A. Mason Digital Library (RAMDL),” English said.

According to English, a grant writer has been hired to enhance the library’s mission, “allowing us to improve the user experience, increase the number of objects available to search, and begin to develop preservation policies for orphaned digital projects.”

English also thanked the board members, staff and volunteers of the APS and APRL for their leadership, dedication and commitment.

English then expressed gratitude to his wife, Kendra. “She’s supported the long hours, the travel, and the time spent with me at stamp shows and stamp clubs around the country,” he said. “I could not have possibly done any of this without her support.”

English offered some positive perspective on his time at the APS.

“As Executive Director, I’ve met and heard from many members who share how the APS has impacted their collecting and lives,” English told Linn’s. “It helped give me perspective on the value and importance of our work. Along the way, I’ve found mentors and friends who have helped me be rooted as the Executive Director and a stamp collector. I never expected to become a stamp collector, but now I’ve built a collection I hope to exhibit in Boston in 2026.”

(English is referring the Boston 2026 World Expo that will take place May 23-30, 2026, in Boston, Mass.)

“This is not goodbye,” English told Linn’s. I am an APS and APRL Life Member and Kendra and I have made friends in the hobby. So, even though I’m stepping away as Executive Director, I won’t be stepping away from our great collecting community.”

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