Retired Lt. Col. Adna G. Wilde Jr., former president, Board member, executive director, treasurer and parliamentarian of the American Numismatic Association, died on the morning of Nov. 17 in Colorado Springs. He was 88.

"This is a sad time for our Association," ANA President Barry Stuppler said. "Adna will be remembered as one of the most important leaders in our history. Everyone who knew him respected him for his kindness, professionalism, and service to his country. He was the finest gentleman I’ve ever known, and he will be deeply missed."

A member since 1947 (Life Member 232), Wilde served as executive director from 1968-72, governor from 1973-79, vice president from 1979-81, president from 1981-83 and treasurer from 1983-2008. He received the Farran Zerbe Memorial Award in 1985, the Medal of Merit and Exemplary Service Award in 1991, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, and Presidential Awards in 1994, 1998 and 2008. He received the inaugural award named in his honor, the Adna G. Wilde Jr. Award for Excellence, this October.

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Funds to be used to help offset costs of Summer Seminar

The Central States Numismatic Society today presented a check for $50,000 to the American Numismatic Association to help fund Summer Seminar, the ANA’s annual summer educational program.

The gift, presented by CSNS President Patti Finner during opening ceremonies of the World’s Fair of Money in Baltimore, will be used to offset costs of operating Summer Seminar.

"The Central States Numismatic Society believes in education," said Finner, who also is vice president of the ANA.

"We believe Summer Seminar is the best opportunity for numismatic education on the planet. This is our 40th anniversary present to the ANA Summer Seminar – we want to make sure it’s around for at least another 40 years."

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American Numismatic Association Members Survey Indicates a Preference for Shows in Baltimore and Chicago sites.

ANA members favored Baltimore and Chicago as potential convention sites in an e-mail survey distributed July 3 by the American Numismatic Association.

The survey, conducted by the ANA as a result of dealer and member feedback regarding the selection of convention sites, was spearheaded by the ANA Convention Committee, chaired by Carl Schwenker, and prepared by ANA staff.

The survey, which was emailed to active, paid members, measured attitudes about convention site selection, criteria for site locations and the components of conventions that contribute to the overall show experience.

"We felt that a survey would provide invaluable information to help guide the Board of Governors and staff as they prepare proposals and select sites for future ANA conventions," said Executive Director Larry Shepherd.

"As a member-based organization, the ANA must, whenever possible, make informed decisions based on input from its members."

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Former banking and investment executive and life-long coin collector Larry Shepherd has been named the new executive director of the American Numismatic Association, President Barry Stuppler announced today.

Shepherd, whose appointment was announced during opening ceremonies of the Phoenix National Money Show at 9:45 a.m., is an ANA Life Member (#5036) and owner and president of Simco Numismatics in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to founding Simco in 1989, he spent 17 years in the banking and investment community, including 14 years in executive management.

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