[press release]
Orient Named APS Manager of Shows and Exhibitions

The American Philatelic Society has hired Megan Orient as its manager of Shows and Exhibitions. Orient started May 18. She will be responsible for the society’s winter AmeriStamp Expo and summer StampShow, coordinate APS staffing and support of World Series of Philately national shows, schedule the use of the American Philatelic Center by outside groups and become the Society’s new complaint manager. Orient will work with show assistant Barb Johnson.

Orient has 15 years of experience in management and operational positions for nonprofit organizations and tourism entities obtained while accompanying her husband on different tours of duty before his retirement from the military in 2013. She has been responsible for events for as many as 8,500 attendees. She and her husband are planning to make Centre County, Pennsylvania a long-term home and raise their young son in the area.

Orient has a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education, a Certificate in Historic Preservation and is a graduate of the Southeast Tourism Society’s program for Tourism Marketing Professionals.

“We look forward to Orient using her broad experience to help us to improve our shows for dealers, exhibitors, affiliates, members and the general public. In addition to their financial impact, APS shows play an important role in member retention and recruitment, and I am confident Orient has the skills and talent to improve our events,” said APS Executive Director Ken Martin.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with the American Philatelic Society. With a background in tourism, historic preservation and nonprofit work, I hope to bring a fresh perspective to planning and hosting the annual trade shows and exhibitions,” said Orient.

Orient has always loved sending and receiving hand-written letters. According to her, “Stamps are a special extension of the personal contents letters deliver. Though my current stamp collection is amateur at best, I do hope to strengthen my knowledge and expand my humble shoebox to a level worthy of membership in this organization.”

Orient may be reached at meganorient@stamps.org or 814-933-3803 ext. 207.

The American Philatelic Society, founded in 1886, is the national stamp collecting organization of the United States, with more than 30,000 members in 110 countries worldwide. For more information about the society and its services, contact the APS at 100 Match Factory Place, Bellefonte, PA 16823; e-mail (info@stamps.org) or visit the APS online at www.stamps.org.