Education director Vess to leave American Philatelic Society

Dec 26, 2025, 9 AM

By Linn’s Staff

Linn’s Stamp News learned in mid-December that Tomalei Vess will be leaving the American Philatelic Society. Vess has served as the society’s education director since Jan. 21, 2025.

Vess, who holds a doctorate in biology from Duke University, has experience in both K-12 and university education, as well as museum education. That experience, in addition to her background in sales and entrepreneurship, played a major part in her role as leader of the APS education department.

In 2025, the department’s focus was on the creation and launch of Stamp SCHOOL, a community engagement and learning platform established in memory of Stephen “Steve” Campbell. Vess also worked to expand APS youth programs, develop new philatelic resources and conduct outreach to stamp collectors of every level.

According to a report on the Virtual Stamp Club website, Vess is leaving to pursue being a partner in a startup company, and she plans to help during the transition period to find a new education director.

“I am invested in the future of the hobby, and the success of the APS,” the Virtual Stamp Club quoted Vess as saying. “I am eternally grateful for this community of philatelists — people who pour wisdom, generosity, and kindness into APS, its mission, and the Education Department.”

Linn’s attempted to contact APS executive director Kirk Gillis for more information and received an out-of-office email reply stating the APS is closed Dec. 22-26 for the holidays and will resume normal business hours on Dec. 29.

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