An independent performance evaluation of American Numismatic Association�Executive Director Chris Cipoletti has concluded that ANA staff strongly supports his�leadership and the direction in which he is taking the association.�The evaluation, commissioned by the ANA Board of Governors and conducted by�human resources consultant, Personal Management Systems, measured Cipoletti’s job�performance and leadership skills.�“This board, like the past two boards that hired Chris as executive director and�evaluated his performance, is very pleased with Chris’ performance,” said President�William H. Horton Jr. “He has followed the direction set by this and prior Boards in�elevating and moving the Association forward and advancing the ANA’s mission and�vision.”�As part of the assessment, PMS interviewed 12 ANA employees, some of whom were�selected by the Board and others at random. The identities of those selected were not�released to Cipoletti, and employees were assured that the information they provided�would not be disclosed in any identifying way to Cipoletti or the Board. Interviews were�conducted by PMS staff, and additional anonymous feedback was accepted�afterward.�Cipoletti’s “Leadership Competencies,” which asks those responding to assess a�person’s skills in leading an organization, resulted in a cumulative average of 2.93;�ratings of 2.50 and above reflect positive results in this category. In the area of�“Leadership Challenges,” which asks those responding to assess a person’s success at�addressing organizational challenges, Cipoletti was rated with a cumulative average of�1.58; ratings of 2.50 and lower reflect positive results in this category.�During the interviews, staff members strongly indicated that they trust Cipoletti, find him�to be a person of integrity and believe he has strong business acumen; communication�with staff is good and staff clearly sees the vision and mission of the ANA advancing in a�positive manner. “This interview process demonstrates that the staff sees Chris as someone with business�acumen and with planning and organizational skills,” said Horton. “They have found�Chris to be effective as the executive director of the ANA.”�The interviews identified that staff members believe that Cipoletti has a great vision and�great ideas, but they feel that the speed with which he attempts to implement�changes at times leads to unattainable timeframes being established. This is an area�where Cipoletti will look to improve his skills and effectiveness over the next year, Horton�said.�“This process has been very beneficial in helping me understand some of the�challenges that staff members face, particularly as we attempt to move the�Association forward at a fast pace,” Cipoletti said. “It has helped me recognize that I�need to spend additional time with staff working together to establish realistic timelines�to accomplish our goals. By spending additional time with staff, we will all have buy-in�and, hopefully, everyone on staff will feel that there is a reasonable amount of time to�accomplish existing responsibilities and tackle new projects. The same is true making�sure that as an organization we spend more time with ANA members discussing the�programs we are growing and the changes we are making. This should help assure�that all who are interested have a voice in the process.”�The interviews confirmed the Board’s assessment and support of Cipoletti’s�performance as ANA’s executive director, said Horton, who cited several�accomplishments under Cipoletti’s leadership including: increasing net assets by 21.5%;�developing an organizational strategic plan; implementing policies and procedures for�financial reporting; creating a marketing and brand development strategy; increasing�educational programs; implementing processes to obtain direct feedback from the�membership about needs and expectations; expanding museum programs and�exhibits; expanding the ANA’s global presence and global partnering; developing�strategic partnerships with industry leaders; implementing new organizational�publications; beginning newsstand distribution of Numismatist magazine; substantially�growing museum attendance; expanding participation in conventions; and opening�dialogue for the opportunity to have museums and libraries on both coasts of the�United States.�Said ANA Vice President Barry Stuppler, “The ANA Board of Governors is very pleased�with the progress Chris has made for the ANA and fully supports Chris’ implementation�of the plan that we have jointly developed to move the ANA forward as a leader in�numismatic education, a world class museum and library and a renowned nonprofit�organization supporting numismatic collectors at all levels.”�