Meet Ruth Ann Mayes
Erin: What is your job title and what do you do at APS?
Ruth: My job title is Circuit Sales Member Relations. Circuits, for those who don't know, is one of our member services in the sales department. Basically, members who want to sell their stamps can use circuits, which are sales books with stamps and covers in different categories, sent by mail in a circuit to many potential customers, and our team handles the processing.
I process all member requests relating to the circuits; things like registering and removing circuit members, processing category requests, and maintaining vacation bypasses. For the majority of each day, I process returned circuits - checking each book for blank spots and adding and verifying each member's purchases.
Ruth (left) decorating a gingerbread house at the 2019 holiday party.
APS Sales staff, 2017. Top row: Bill Dixon, Ruth Ann Mayes. Middle row: Carol Hoffman, Barb Johnson, Sharon Shawley. Bottom row: Steph Frankhouser, Wendy Masorti.
I also worked as the new books secretary long ago in the 1980s. As a new books secretary, I was adding our members' new books into the system.
How long have you worked for APS?
I have worked for the APS for 44 years, starting back when women wore skirts and dresses to work every single day, we used typewriters, and all processes were done manually - there were no computers. Things sure have changed over the years, but one thing hasn’t - my dedication to the APS. I enjoy what I do and feel my work is valued and appreciated.
What is the best part or fun part of your job?
I have always loved checking in circuits. To some, it would seem like a boring, repetitive job. But for me, I enjoy the busy work and challenge myself to do more and more each day.
Things sure have changed over the years, but my dedication to the APS [hasn't].
Is there one resource on the website you’d like to highlight for members that is connected to your job?
I would like to invite members to visit our Buying with Home Delivery Mail Sales page at https://stamps.org/services/how-to-buy-thru-mail and consider signing up to receive a circuit. It’s a great way to add new items to your collection and it’s hands-on shopping. You just purchase what you want and mail the rest on. With over 160 categories to choose from, I’m sure there is something we have that you would enjoy.
Are you a stamp collector?
I am very blessed to be able to look at many beautiful stamps every day. Though there are many stamps I like, I just never got into collecting them. This is probably a good thing because I would never get anything done - I would be too busy shopping through the circuit books for myself. I would have to say, though, that my favorite stamps are of Princess Diana.
What is something you’d like to share with our members?
I have enjoyed many years working at the APS, so I will be thinking about ways to benefit our members even at home.
APS Sales staff celebrating at the 2019 holiday party. From top left: Carol Hoffman, Ruth Ann Mays, Darlene Young, Bill Dixon, Wendy Masorti, Pam Chambers, Steph Frankhouser, and Sharon Shawley.
Tell me something you enjoy about members?
I enjoy how friendly and caring our members are. It’s nothing for them to send in special notes, Christmas cards, or even treats to thank us for the work we do, but it means the world to me. And I was so touched when I heard that members are sending in donations to the APS Cares fund to help the staff get through the COVID-19 pandemic. THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Anything else you’d like to share about your job/APS to members?
The APS is like family to me. I have forged friendships that will last me a lifetime and my fellow coworkers have helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. I will forever be grateful and blessed to be a part of the APS team . . . My APS coworkers helped me when I needed it most. Years ago, my eight-year-old son was in a bad car wreck. He was in a coma for six weeks. They supported me and helped me in so many ways during that time. I will never forget their kindness and praise God he is a wonderful man.
Thank you for sharing, Ruth Ann.
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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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