Pete Smith writes:

Jeff Shevlin has been appointed executive director of the American Numismatic Association, the Board of Governors announced today. Shevlin brings a wealth of valuable management and leadership experience with him when he joins the ANA on June 18.

"I am exceedingly energized about the opportunity to manage the day-to-day operations of the ANA staff and to work with the Board of Governors to fulfill our shared vision of what the ANA can be," Shevlin said. "I plan to start working in Colorado Springs the week before the Summer Seminar so I have a chance to meet with the ANA staff and get ready to greet the ANA members who will be attending."

Shevlin is retiring from his current position as a chief executive manager with 34 years of public sector experience, 28 years in not-for-profit management and 15 years as an adjunct college instructor. His background is in information technology, and he has experience managing large organizations and major projects.

"With our selection, we wanted to show the membership that we are making a move forward for the ANA," said ANA President Thomas Hallenbeck. "Jeff's combination of management experience, understanding of technology and overall passion for the hobby made him the stand-out candidate. He understands the Association and its needs and will take the association in exciting new directions."

Shevlin strongly believes the ANA represents the future of the coin-collecting hobby and industry. "The challenge is getting the next generation of collectors engaged who will enjoy our hobby tomorrow," he said.

An ANA life member, Shevlin is known in the numismatic community as a writer, researcher, publisher, cataloger, public speaker, instructor and numismatic consultant to major auction firms on "So-Called Dollars," commemorative, silver-dollar-sized medals.

Shevlin has written numerous articles, given more than 50 presentations and developed dozens of award-winning competitive exhibits. He spends much of his free time with his family and enjoys the company of his wife, three children and four grandchildren. He is an avid numismatist, and loves to research and write about historical U.S. medals and the stories related to the great expositions that helped develop our country in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Shevlin will oversee 34 employees; a nearly $6 million budget; and major projects that include re-launching of the new www.money.org site in the next year and installing a Kids Zone at the Edward C. Rochette Money Museum. Shevlin encourages members to contact him with suggestions or comments at shevlin@money.org.