Those longtime members of the American Philatelic Society will recognize Wendy Masorti's name. Over a span of 31 years, she's assisted collectors in the membership department, as the Webmaster, Shows Assistant, and until October, the Director of Sales. Now she is returning to the membership department as the Director of Membership and Shows. Those who have met Wendy or communicated with her through phone or email will know that she is knowledgeable about stamp collecting, quick to answer questions, and ready to help members with whatever they need. Development Assistant Erin Seamans spent some time with Wendy to ask her a few questions:
Meet Wendy
How long have you worked for the APS and what is your job title?
I began working for the Society in 1989 in the Membership Administration department as an administrative assistant. Over the past 31 years I’ve been eager to learn more and have been given opportunities to hold several job titles – Webmaster, Complaint Manager, Shows Assistant, Director of Sales and, recently, I’ve accepted the position of Director of Membership and Shows. I’m always up for a challenge and enjoy helping the Society in whatever capacity is needed.
What is the best part of your job?
What I enjoy most is helping members and staff with problem issues. Being able to come up with a solution to a problem is very satisfying for me and to those I help. I may not always have an answer, but I will do my best to help if I can.
Is there one resource on the website you’d like to highlight for members?
It’s really hard to pick just one resource on the website. I personally use the “News” page to keep up-to-date and I often refer members to the “Community” tab where they can connect with dealers, local clubs, and specialty societies. Of course members looking to buy or sell will want to visit our online StampStore. I invite everyone to just take a little time and look around the site, you may be surprised what you find!
Are you a stamp collector? If so, what do you like to collect?
I am a collector of topicals. I enjoy collecting fun things that bring back memories of my childhood – like my Snoopy, Bugs Bunny and Teddy Bear stamps. I also enjoy flowers on stamps; my office is evidence of that. I’m not a professional philatelist by any means, but who said you need to be? There is no right or wrong way to collect, your stamp collection is all about what you enjoy – so just have fun with it!
What is a fun fact about you, that you’d like to share with our members?
I have a passion for Pinterest! As a "busy bee" who loves having projects not only at work, but also at home, I am constantly pinning projects, fashion, recipes and all kinds of things. I currently have over 7,000 pins! Over the past year, I’ve tried many new recipes, decorated wreaths for every holiday, dabbled in cake decorating, and made and refurbished furniture pieces with my husband. Who knows what’s next?
Tell me something you enjoy about members? Or a memory you have with a member?
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting a lot of members over the years, especially when attending stamp shows. One member particularly comes to mind, as he has now become an extended part of our family. I met Lamar Stout in Hartford, Connecticut, during StampShow 2014. My daughter Abbey, who at the time was 12 years old, traveled with the staff to volunteer in the youth area. Lamar joined the staff for dinner one night, during which he bet Abbey she couldn’t eat a full rack of ribs. Well, needless to say she won that bet, and she and Lamar have been buddies ever since. Likewise, Lamar and I have forged a friendship and we stay in touch. When Lamar and his wife Jean visit Bellefonte, we get our families together for dinner. He and Jean are the true meaning of southern hospitality – they are the warmest and most heartfelt people you will ever meet. In 2018 during the Columbus, Ohio, StampShow I had the honor of presenting Lamar with his 50 Year APS Member Medallion. So through stamps, I have forged a friendship that I hold dear to my heart.
❮
❯
1 / 5
Wendy Masorti, APS Director of Membership and Shows, previously Director of Sales.
❮
❯
2 / 5
At World Stamp Show-NY 2016, from left: APS staff members Tom Horn, Krystal Harter, Tracy Young, Tara Murray, Wendy Masorti, and artist Chris Calle.
❮
❯
3 / 5
Wendy's daughter, Abbey, finishes a whole rack of ribs as a bet.
❮
❯
4 / 5
Wendy and Lamar Stout.
❮
❯
5 / 5
Wendy awards Lamar with his 50 year member medal in 2018.
~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~