Scott English hired as APS executive director

The American Philatelic Society has announced the hiring of Scott English as its new executive director. English will begin in his new position on Aug. 10.

Most recently, English has been serving as chief of staff for U.S. Representative Mark Sanford of South Carolina since January of this year, according to an online business profile. He previously worked as chief of staff for Sanford from 2008 to 2011 when Sanford was the state’s governor, and as chief operating officer for South Carolina’s Department of Education.

In a press release issued July 24, APS President Steve Reinhard stated, “We are enormously pleased that a man of Scott’s experience and talent will be our new executive director. We expect he will make major contributions improving services to our 31,000 members as well as outreach to other philatelic organizations, both in the United States and abroad.

English said, “It's an honor to join the American Philatelic Society as Executive Director. This organization has a rich tradition, with a dedicated staff and members who share a great passion for stamp collecting. My first priority is meeting as many members as possible in the coming months and learning how the APS can best serve them. I also want to learn how the APS can effectively partner with other organizations with similar interests.” He added, “My family and I are looking forward to moving to Centre County. It is clearly a wonderful place to live. My wife and I will also be closer to our childhood homes and parents.”

The APS points to English’s “extensive record of success leading large organizations with multiple constituencies, as well as working with volunteers and fundraising.”

In his role with the governor’s office, English oversaw operations and policy for 15 cabinet-level agencies, more than 200 boards and commissions, and the executive office of the state, according to the APS press release.

As chief operating officer for South Carolina’s Department of Education, he oversaw the operation of a staff of more than 800 providing oversight for 82 school districts, 1,250 schools, 52,000 teachers, and 720,000 students, while supervising the execution of a $4 billion annual budget.

Ken Martin, the previous APS executive director, has been offered the position of chief operating officer.

"In this capacity the APS will continue to benefit from his tremendous experience in the APS and his extensive knowledge of the hobby," the APS stated.