WASHINGTON — The U.S. Postal Service today announced that Dr. Joseph L. Kelley will be the new chair of the Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee, or CSAC. Appointed to CSAC in 2021, Dr. Kelley brings a science background to the stamp development process, as well as a deep love for stamps and stamp history. He will begin his term Oct. 20.

Kelley succeeds Bolivar Jose “BJ” Bueno, who completed his term as chairman.

Created in 1957, CSAC selects subjects for recommendation as future stamp issues, keeping in mind the interests of all postal customers, including stamp collectors. Appointed by the postmaster general, committee members are knowledgeable about history, business, science and technology, fine art, education, performing arts, sports and other subjects of public interest.

Dr. Joseph Kelley

Kelley is a stamp collector. His collection includes stamps from the United States, including U.S. Fish & Wildlife federal duck stamps, as well as the United Nations, Ireland, Vatican City and the Antarctic territories. He’s particularly interested in stamps related to the COVID-19 pandemic and honoring Mother Teresa. He recently became interested in stamps made of leather or other unusual materials. He is a member of the American Philatelic Society, Éire Philatelic Association, Vatican Philatelic Society, American Topical Association and the Wilkinsburg Stamp Club.

Kelley says he became a stamp collector at his wife’s suggestion as a way to relax from his work as a gynecologic oncologist. An accomplished clinician, surgeon, educator, researcher and administrator, Dr. Kelley recently retired from medicine. He is professor emeritus in obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University of Pittsburgh and serves on the board of directors of Magee-Womens Hospital of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Kelley earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Colgate University, a masters in physiology from Rutgers University, and a medical degree from St. Louis University. His postgraduate training included a residency at Magee-Womens Hospital and a fellowship at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas.

Within his community, Kelley has served on several academic and medical not-for-profit organizations. He and his wife, Karen Dunn, have three children and reside in the Pittsburgh area.

Submitting Stamp Suggestions

Due to the time required for research and approval in the stamp selection process, ideas for stamp subjects should be received at least three years prior to the proposed issuance. Each submission should include pertinent historical information and important dates associated with the subject. Proposals must be in writing and submitted by U.S. Mail. No in-person appeals, phone calls or e-mails are accepted. Mail your suggestion (one topic per letter) to the address below:

Stamp Development
Attn: Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW, Room 3300
Washington, DC 20260-3501

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