Success Story: American Physical Society

Client Profile:

The American Physical Society (APS) is a non-profit membership organization working to advance and diffuse the knowledge of physics through research, education, and outreach. Founded in 1899, APS represents over 50,000 members, including physicists in academia, national laboratories, and industry in the United States and throughout the world. APS headquarters is located in College Park, MD.

Client Challenge:

As Special Assistant to the Executive Officer, my responsibilities include:

• Reporting on all governing groups and committee issues to our Executive Officer
• Overseeing the APS constitution and bylaw process
• Managing our annual election

Each year in our society-wide election, APS members select a leadership team consisting of Vice President, Chair of the Nominating Committee, International Councilor, and General Councilor. The vast majority (approximately 95%) of our members vote online. For those members who haven’t supplied APS with an email address, a paper ballot is mailed to them. Members become aware of the election through APS publications, newsletters, social media outlets, and email messages.

The APS Annual Election needs to be an easy process for our members – their satisfaction is our top priority.

My staff and I need the assistance of a reliable partner that can help with the election. We don’t want to be sidetracked from our day-to-day operational tasks that run the society.

SBS Solution:

We began using Survey & Ballot Systems (SBS) back in 1999 when APS experienced problems with another vendor. SBS stepped in, discussed our situation, and had our election up and running in a short amount of time.

Since coming to our rescue nearly thirteen years ago, we have used SBS election services and haven’t looked back. Having SBS handle the process each year provides a continuity of data that allows us to regularly examine voting statistics and response. Based on this information, we consider slight changes to enhance the election and improve participation.

We have heard voting horror stories from other associations and organizations and are thankful we developed a relationship with trusted friends to help with our election. The voting process has become an effortless, worry-free operation thanks to SBS election services.

“The voting process has become an effortless, worry-free operation thanks to SBS election services.” ~ Ken Cole, Special Assistant to the Executive Officer