The first contact that many members have with the American Philatelic Society is with Nora DeGeorge. Whether by email or phone call, Nora's able to help with any membership questions, website questions and more. She's also an APS legacy - her father is a regular volunteer at the society, and he passed his love of collecting to her.
Meet Nora DeGeorge
What is your job title and what do you do at APS?
I am a Membership Assistant. I process applications for new members and manage information for the membership database, such as addresses and collecting interests. I also answer the phones so if you’ve ever had to call into the center you’ve probably talked to me!
How long have you worked for APS?
I’ve worked for APS since July 2019. I started out working part-time on a project in the library and then I moved over to Membership in September.
A Father's Day letter from a young Nora to her father, who volunteers at the APS and is a long time collector.
What are the best parts of your job?
I enjoy processing member applications every day and seeing where people are from and what they’re interested in. It really shows how far the hobby reaches, both geographically and the breadth of material that people can focus on.
Is there one resource on the website you’d like to highlight for members that is connected to your job?
I would highlight the “My APS” tab which members can access after they’ve logged into the website. From there, members can change their address, track orders or certificates, or check their membership status. They can also find links to members-only content like archived issues of The American Philatelist.
Are you a stamp collector? If so, what do you like to collect?
I call myself a “dabbler.” Right now I mostly collect cats and butterflies, because I find the stamps visually attractive. Butterflies in particular are interesting because it seems that nearly every country has produced a butterfly series at some point. Several of our volunteers are now aware of my interests and they often steer me towards new discoveries.
A butterfly stamp collage.
What is a fun fact about you that you’d like to share with our members?
I’m kind of a home body so my favorite activity is to come home and watch reality tv with my two cats!
Tell me something you enjoy about APS/APRL members? Or a memory you have with a member?
It’s always nice when members express appreciation for my help. It may be routine for me to help someone change a password or send a replacement magazine but it can also be something that makes someone else’s day.
I know you've transitioned back to working at the American Philatelic Center rather than working from home. Have there been any changes in how your job works?
When I was working from home, I did my best to structure my day the same way I would in the office. I start out processing applications so that new members can access the website as soon as possible. Then I process address changes and answer emails. As time allows I enter new prospects into the system or apply donated postage to envelopes. I still do all of that and more at work.
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If you would like to support APS Cares, you can send a check to:
American Philatelic Society
100 Match Factory Place
Bellefonte, PA 16823
c/o APS Cares
Or Support the APS Staff Online:
Please select APS Cares in the Gift Designation.
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