A year and a half ago, ANA membership resoundingly rejected the previous Board by voting in all new members. This Board has done a tremendous job of turning the ANA around. This election is just as crucial. We must elect a Board that will build upon this Board's accomplishments.

    The ANA must concentrate on education while leaving consumer advocacy issues to other organizations more suited to the task. We need a Board that keeps the membership in the highest regard, is willing to work hard to get finances further under control and keeps communication open, all the while keeping members happy and excited about belonging.

    With over 40 years’ experience as a collector, researcher, educator and professional, I have been an instructor at ANA Summer Seminars since 1996 and have given several Numismatic Theatre presentations at ANA conventions and member-club shows and meetings. Most recently, I have worked hard on your behalf, refusing to let the ANA continue a downward spiral.

    I served 12 years as a board member and officer of CONECA, the last 8 as president. During that time, I led CONECA from a little-known specialty club to a well-known, highly respected national organization that leads the numismatic community in error and variety research and education.

    I have contributed to dozens of numismatic references and served as editor of “Errorscope,” “Cherrypickers’ News” and The Cherrypickers’ Guide to Rare Die Varieties (4th edition, Volume I). I have penned numerous articles and have been a columnist in Numismatic News, “Errorscope” and “Cherrypickers’ News.”

    Currently, I am the senior grader and ­variety specialist for Dominion Grading Service (DGS) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, where I continue to write numismatic articles and blog at www.stellacoinnews.com and www.mikeellisforanagovernor.com.

    Outside of numismatics, I am a 7-year veteran of the United States Navy.

My greatest achievement was establishing and running the Middle East Educational Testing Center, where I administered GED, ACT, SAT, CLEP and other significant tests to deployed servicemen.

    Vote for you―-vote for me!