New PMG Sworn-In; Addresses Employees & Honors Megan Brennan
From Mail: The Journal of Communication Distribution
Official Mail Guide
Louis DeJoy took the oath of office as the nation’s 75th Postmaster General on June 16, expressing optimism for the Postal Service’s future and appreciation for the organization’s employees.
“Together, we will put the Postal Service on a successful trajectory for generations to come,” DeJoy said during a ceremony at USPS headquarters in Washington, DC.
The event was held in a meeting room named for Benjamin Franklin, the nation’s first Postmaster General. Participants observed social distancing guidelines during the ceremony, which featured a small audience that included members of the Board of Governors and the executive leadership team.
Board Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan administered the oath to DeJoy. John M. Barger, a governor who chaired the committee that selected DeJoy for the position, was also present, while the board’s other governors, Ron A. Bloom and Roman Martinez IV, participated in the ceremony through videoconferencing
Newly sworn-in U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy delivered a video message to employees highlighting the Postal Service’s essential role in American life and thanking them for their dedication.
“Over the past several months, the importance of the United States Postal Service has been more apparent than ever,” DeJoy says.
“This institution helps to bind our nation together, delivering mail and packages to a nation that has largely been forced to stay at home. We are critical to our national economy and millions of small businesses and their employees, and we are the ‘face’ of the federal government to millions of Americans who count on us to deliver information, census forms and mail-in ballots.”
The new Postmaster General praises USPS employees, including the front-line workers serving during the coronavirus pandemic and the recent nationwide protests.
“You are responsible for this institution’s respect and popularity with the American people,” he says in the video.
DeJoy also discusses the challenges facing USPS, including the need to continue ensuring the safety of its workers during the pandemic; responding to changes in the way customers use mail; and the need to change the organization’s expensive, inflexible business model.
“I did not accept this position in spite of these challenges, I accepted this position because of them – and because I want to work with you in addressing them. I want to put this institution on a trajectory for success,” DeJoy said.
He outlines several steps the Postal Service will take to meet its challenges, including creating a viable business model that ensures the organization continues fulfilling its public service mission; identifying new and creative ways to fulfill that mission; and continuing to be a diverse and supportive workplace “where people can have opportunities for promotion, enjoy a great quality of life and count on a secure retirement.”
The video concludes with DeJoy’s thoughts on continuing the Postal Service’s legacy.
“We stand on the shoulders and of the men and women who built this institution, who grew it and who maintained it,” he said. “And we pledge to them – and I pledge to you – that we will continue to make the United States Postal Service a great institution worthy of its standing.”
PMG’s First Act: Honor Megan Brennan
In his first act as Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy paid tribute to his predecessor. DeJoy announced June 15 that he
will honor Megan J. Brennan with the Benjamin Franklin Award, the Postal Service’s highest award.
“Megan has dedicated her life and career to the United States Postal Service,” DeJoy said in a video message to employees.
“She started as a letter carrier, rose through the ranks, and became our nation’s first female Postmaster General. Over the past five years, she has provided the Postal Service with strong and steady leadership under some of the most challenging circumstances.”
DeJoy added that Brennan, who retired last week, always put the interests of the Postal Service and its workers first, including earlier this year when she delayed her retirement to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
“Over the past six weeks, she has been an invaluable resource to me – sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm and advice. And I know I will continue to call on that advice as I move forward in this job. … I can think of no one more deserving of this honor, and who is more deserving of our respect and admiration. Megan, we thank you for everything you have given to the Postal Service and the American public,” DeJoy said.
Franklin served as America’s first Postmaster General from 1775-1776. DeJoy is the 75th Postmaster General.