American Philatelic Society hires Brachbill as director of education

The American Philatelic Society has hired Cathy Brachbill as its director of education.

Brachbill fills the vacancy created in April when the previous education director, Gretchen Moody, left the organization to move with her husband to another state.

Brachbill will begin working at APS headquarters in Bellefonte, Pa., on Sept. 29. She is from the Bellefonte area, according to a Sept. 14 APS news release, and received her master’s and doctorate degrees from Penn State University.

Brachbill previously worked for the Bellefonte Area School District as a classroom teacher and as director of curriculum and instruction, and is currently a training consultant for McGraw-Hill Education.

“We had some incredibly talented applicants apply, making this decision very tough,” said Scott English, executive director of the APS. “Given the experience Cathy has had in educating both young learners and adults, we saw someone who could really make an impact with collectors young and old, new and experienced. We’re incredibly fortunate that Cathy has lived and worked in Bellefonte for most of her life and will help us build great partnerships here in Centre County. We are honored to have her join the team.”

According to the APS, Brachbill’s background includes elementary and secondary education, classroom teaching for college-level students, professional development of classroom teachers, administration, budgeting and management. 

She will manage the society’s many educational programs, including the national Stamps Teach classroom education program; in-person, online, and stamp show programs for children and adults; and the society’s Summer Seminar for collectors.

Her duties also include working as an APS liaison to groups such as the United States Postal Service and Smithsonian National Postal Museum, overseeing the Young Philatelic Leaders Fellowship program, managing the APS audiovisual program service, and managing and enhancing the APS mentor service.

Brachbill will work with Janet Houser, the APS youth director and assistant to the education director.

“I look forward to working with the staff, volunteers, and members of the American Philatelic Society to enhance current Educational Services and reimagine others while continuing to serve the APS membership with a high level of quality,” Brachbill is quoted as saying in the news release.

After she begins working in her new position, Brachbill can be reached by e-mail at cbrachbill@stamps.org, or by telephone at 814-933-3803, ext. 239.

The American Philatelic Society is the largest nonprofit organization for stamp collectors in the world.