[press release] [click on any of the pictures for larger versions]
Broadhead Named 2023 Distinguished Topical Philatelist

Longtime philatelist, publications editor, author, presenter, and leader Thomas W. Broadhead of Knoxville, Tennessee was named the 2023 Distinguished Topical Philatelist by the American Topical Association.

ATA established the annual award in 1952 to pay tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to topical philately and to the ATA in particular. Award recipients represent the highest and best in philatelic experience and service.

“Tom is accomplished as a collector and exhibitor, and he is generous in sharing his knowledge with others,” Hamman said. “There is not enough space here to list all of Tom’s philatelic accomplishments.”

Broadhead’s experience in the field and hobby of stamp collecting runs the gamut from personal collecting, exhibiting, writing, publication editing, presenting, and leadership in local and national philatelic organizations.

Since 1996, Broadhead has held leadership roles in the Knoxville Philatelic Society (KPS), serving as president, secretary, assistant treasurer and KnoxPEx chair. He writes and edits the club’s monthly newsletter, which received a 2022 gold Star Route Award by the American Philatelic Society. He also serves as APS and ATA chapter ambassador for KPS.

Broadhead became a member of the ATA board in 2019 and second vice president in 2020. He is the fundraising chairperson for ATA. He also serves as co-coordinator for ATA’s My One-Page Exhibit, an annual virtual exhibiting program that has engaged hundreds of new and experienced exhibitors from around the world.

He has presented numerous live and zoom presentations for ATA on topics that include Josephine Baker-Performing Artist and Hero of France, The Great Sphinx of Egypt-A Story in Stamps, and The Most Beautiful Bridge in Paris.

A prolific writer, Broadhead has published dozens of articles in philatelic journals including ATA’s Topical Time, APS’s The American Philatelist, and France and Colonies Philatelist.

In 2018, Broadhead was recognized with a Nicholas Carter Volunteer Award by APS. He has also received the Barbara R. Mueller Award for the best article published in The American Philatelist in 2008. In 2016, he received the Roland Hill Award of the Southeast Federation of Stamp Clubs.

Broadhead has also brought focus on philately in his career. Recently retired from his position as Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Tennessee and former a professor of Paleontology and Biostratigraphy at UT, Broadhead taught several honors classes in philately that were in high demand by students.

“Tom Broadhead is an incredible ambassador of philately,” Hamman concluded, “relaying both the educational value and the fun of the hobby. His warmth and enthusiasm embody the image ATA strives to project.”

Broadhead will be presented the Distinguished Topical Philatelist Award at the 2023 Great American Stamp Show in Cleveland, Ohio.