Postmaster General Brennan to Step Down in 2020

It looks like there are more changes (and challenges) ahead for USPS. Postmaster General Brennan announced her retirement from the organization after serving for five years as the head of USPS. After beginning her career with USPS as a letter carrier in 1986, Brennan became the 74th Postmaster General of the United States. She took over the position from Patrick Donahue in February 2015, and plans to step down in January of 2020.

Highlights from Postmaster General Brennan’s Time in the Position

Postmaster General Megan Brennan made history as the first woman to ever assume the role as head of the US Postal Service. Brennan spearheaded the enhanced use of data and technology, improvements in processes, as well as innovations in products and services. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. During her tenure in the role, Brennan also led the organization through some of its greatest challenges. She proposed a variety of measures to help steer USPS back to profitability, such as enacting the largest stamp price increase in history, slashing employee compensation, and giving USPS autonomy in setting its own prices.

Dealing with the onerous pre-funding legislation was Brennan’s biggest hurdle in her quest to place USPS on solid financial footing. Brennan also navigated USPS through a Postal Task Force that President Trump created to determine why USPS has lost so much money in recent years, and how to best shake up the organization.

Brennan offered her thoughts when reflecting back on her time in the position.

“When I was appointed Postmaster General, I made a commitment to the board of governors that I would serve for five years and it has been my absolute honor to do so,” she said. “I feel a deep responsibility to this organization and to its future.”

Who Will USPS Choose Next?

USPS hasn’t named a successor yet. However, Brennan said she has given sufficient notice to allow the Board of Governors enough time to name a replacement.

Robert Duncan, chairman of the USPS Board of Governors, weighed in on the significance of Brennan’s leadership.

“Megan Brennan is a devoted public servant who has helped lead the U.S. Postal Service through some very challenging circumstances,” he said. “The governors greatly appreciate her leadership and devotion to the Postal Service. She has been a strong advocate for postal employees and customers. In the months to come, the governors will conduct a nationwide search for the 75th Postmaster General of the United States, while continuing to work with Postmaster General Brennan through a successful holiday season and a seamless transition in leadership.”

In the meantime, Brennan stepping down puts the Board of Governors in a bit of a tight spot. The USPS Board of Governors had finally reached a quorum recently after so many years without it, and now that Brennan will retire, that quorum will no longer exist until the next Postmaster General is named.

Give the People What They Want

The Board of Governors isn’t the only group looking towards the future. The American Postal Worker’s Union (APWU) will also be keeping a close watch from the sidelines. APWU President Mark Dimondstein offered his thoughts on what he and the APWU hopes for in the next Postmaster General.

“The APWU calls on the board to appoint a [Postmaster General] deeply dedicated to the public good and the public Postal Service and who respects the contributions, safety, well-being and union rights of postal workers,” he said. “We need a Postmaster General committed to protecting universal service to every person, no matter who we are or where we live, and to expanded postal services such as financial services and vote by mail.”