The American Philatelic Society would like to join the American Topical Association in congratulating Thomas W. Broadhead of Knoxville, Tennessee, who has been named the 2023 Distinguished Topical Philatelist. Broadhead will be officially presented with the award at the 2023 Great American Stamp Show in Cleveland, Ohio this August.
The Distinguished Topical Philatelist Award was established by the ATA in 1952 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to topical philately and specifically to the ATA. Award recipients represent the highest and best in philatelic experience and service. As a longtime collector, exhibitor, publications editor, author, presenter, and all-around philatelic leader, Broadhead certainly fits the description.
“Tom Broadhead is an incredible ambassador of philately,” said Dawn Hamman, president of the ATA, “relaying both the educational value and the fun of the hobby. His warmth and enthusiasm embody the image ATA strives to project.”
Recently retired from his position as Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Tennessee and a former professor of Paleontology and Biostratigraphy at UT, Broadhead taught several honors classes in philately at UT that were in high demand by students.
Broadhead has held leadership roles in the Knoxville Philatelic Society (KPS) since 1996, serving as president, secretary, assistant treasurer and KnoxPEx chair. He also writes and edits the club’s monthly newsletter, which received a 2022 gold Star Route Award from the APS, and serves as APS and ATA chapter ambassador for KPS.
He became a member of the ATA board in 2019, second vice president in 2020, and is also the fundraising chairperson for ATA and the as co-coordinator of the My One-Page Exhibit, an annual virtual exhibiting program that has engaged hundreds of new and experienced exhibitors from around the world.
Broadhead has presented numerous live and zoom presentations for ATA on topics such as 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 Topical Time, The American Philatelist, and France and Colonies Philatelist.
“Whether it’s the APS, ATA, or the Knoxville Philatelic society, Tom is an energetic ambassador to collectors of all stripes,” said Scott English, Executive Director of the APS, “Tom’s willingness to share his knowledge and his passion are a model for all of us to follow. We look forward to celebrating this great accomplishment with him in Cleveland.”