By CoinWeek News Staff ….
2017 will see the end of American Numismatic Association (ANA) President Jeff Garrett’s term of office, and already two individuals have come forward to announce their candidacies to replace him.
Mike Ellis
The first candidate for the next ANA presidency is Mike Ellis.
Former member of the Board of Governors Ellis announced his candidacy on January 6, 2017 at the Florida United Numismatists (FUN) Show in Fort Lauderdale. His career in numismatics goes back more than 30 years, beginning during his service in the United States Navy. Ellis is a die variety specialist and variety attributor. Ellis spent six years as a professional coin grader, working for Independent Coin Graders (ICG) and ANACS. He also worked for Jay Krugjohann, owner of South Park Coins in Forney, Texas.
Ellis is also known for his time as an instructor at the ANA Summer Seminar, lecturing on and teaching about minting processes, die variety attribution, creative errors and grading for over 20 years. He is a nationally known expert on shield nickel varieties.
He previously served one full-term as an ANA governor (2011-2013), and was elected to a second term in 2013. But shortly before he could finish his second term in full, Ellis resigned from his position on January 9, 2015. His resignation was part of the ANA’s effort to settle the lawsuit brought against the organization by former executive director Larry Shepherd, though his resignation in no way affected his standing as an ANA member and did not prohibit him from being elected to the Board of Governors or the presidency in the future.
A few issues are at the core of Mr. Ellis’ campaign, not the least of which is the distancing of the ANA from the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG). Ellis believes the relationship between the two organizations is too close. Ellis is also seeking to remove Hollie Wieland from her position as general legal counsel.
Finally, Ellis would like to better support those activities that he believes the ANA does right and are of the greatest benefit and enjoyment to the membership at large, such as the website, shows, Summer Seminar and the Money Museum.
Gary Adkins
Currently serving as Vice President of the ANA, coin dealer Gary Adkins announced his candidacy for president last week.
Besides running the Minneapolis-based dealership Gary Adkins Associates, Inc., Mr. Adkins has experience with several hobby and industry organizations. He was a three-term governor of the ANA before serving as vice president. Adkins is a past chairman of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA) and currently serves on its board. He has also served as president of the PNG, as well as serving on its board.
Adkins believes a close relationship between these organizations and the ANA is beneficial. He aims to support the ANA’s educational ventures and promotional efforts on behalf of the hobby, including an improved club outreach. Adkins also looks to make consumer protection a bigger part of the Association’s mission.
Powers & Duties
The president is elected every odd-numbered year to serve a two-year term. According to organization Bylaws, duties include:
- Presiding over meetings of the Board of Governors;
- Calling meetings of the Board of Governors;
- Appointing the National Coordinator and Regional Coordinators as needed, and facilitating those educational programs and services the ANA may offer to clubs and collectors;
- Establishing and appointing committees and committee chairs;
- Approving “non-routine payments” as long as they adhere to ANA accounting procedures and fit within the previously approved budget;
- Appointing Officers and Special Officers of the ANA;
- Requiring the Executive Director to create monthly reports;
- Keeping the Board informed about the progress of its actions and decisions;
When the Board of Governors is out of session, the president has general supervision over the ANA.
