Latest news with #AmberMcReynolds
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
USPS names new Postmaster General, Sen. Jon Ossoff issues statement
The Brief David Steiner, FedEx board member and former Waste Management CEO, is set to become the next Postmaster General, sparking fears of USPS privatization. Postal unions strongly oppose the appointment, citing conflict of interest. Sen. Jon Ossoff says he will review Steiner's record. The Postal Service continues to face major financial losses, service gaps, and criticism over its 10-year modernization plan, Delivering for America. ATLANTA - As the U.S. Postal Service enters a critical phase of transition and financial instability, the USPS Board of Governors has named David Steiner as the next Postmaster General, according to The Associated Press. The announcement was made Friday by Amber McReynolds, chairperson of the USPS' Board of Governors. What we know Steiner is the former CEO of Waste Management Inc. and currently serves on the board of FedEx, a direct competitor to the Postal Service in parcel delivery. While Steiner plans to resign from the FedEx board, his appointment has stirred widespread concern among postal workers and unions. Amber McReynolds defended the selection, calling Steiner "the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time" and citing his "tremendous vision, experience and skill." She emphasized the board's intent to maintain USPS's universal service mandate while improving financial sustainability. The appointment comes as USPS continues its 10-year modernization strategy, Delivering for America, launched under Louis DeJoy in 2021. DeJoy resigned in March following harsh criticism over mail delays and increased postage costs. The agency reported a $3.3 billion loss in the last quarter, though noted rising package revenue and falling transportation costs. PREVIOUS: USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resigns amid possible DOGE cuts, Georgia mail delays What they're saying Steiner said he was "honored to be asked to lead the world's greatest postal organization" and expressed support for the Postal Service's public mission. "I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch," he said. But union leaders are not convinced. Brian Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, blasted the decision: "His selection isn't just a conflict of interest — it's an aggressive step toward handing America's mail system over to corporate interests." Renfroe's union represents over 200,000 active and retired letter carriers. Mark Dimondstein of the American Postal Workers Union went further: "FedEx has a very different agenda than the public postal service. … That's the last type of person you would put in charge of this public institution." Don Maston of the National Rural Letter Carriers' Association urged Steiner to uphold the Postal Service's founding mission: "The Postal Service is not a business in the traditional sense — it is a national network that binds the country together." Local perspective Georgia has been especially hard-hit by ongoing mail delivery issues, and Sen. Jon Ossoff has been one of the most vocal critics of USPS leadership in Washington. In a letter to the Board of Governors, Ossoff said mail delays in Georgia have reached unacceptable levels, calling the agency's leadership "an abysmal failure." "My constituents, and I cannot emphasize this strongly enough, are beside themselves at the consistent and recurring failure of USPS leadership to execute their basic mission in Georgia," Ossoff wrote. Sen. Ossoff sent the following statement to FOX 5 Atlanta about Steiner's selection: "I will review Mr. Steiner's record, but it's too early for me to pass judgment on his qualifications and how he'll approach the job. While I've urged the Board of Governors to move quickly, it's even more important that they get this right and that the next Postmaster General be up to the task." USPS data released last month revealed Georgia's First-Class Mail service was 7.7% below the national average. Ossoff has also raised alarms about delays impacting Georgia veterans, including late prescription deliveries and missed VA appointment notices. PREVIOUS STORIES Sen. Jon Ossoff demands answers for mail delays affecting Georgia veterans USPS postmaster general plans to step down, Georgia reaction Georgia mail delays: Ossoff, Dejoy tangle during Senate hearing Sen. Jon Ossoff seeks more control over postmaster general after mail issues Ossoff: 'Further improvements' needed for Georgia's mail delays By the numbers Here's a breakdown of the numbers: $78 billion: USPS annual operating budget $3.3 billion: USPS loss last quarter $2.5 billion: Considered "uncontrollable" expenses 220,000+: APWU members impacted by leadership changes 7.7%: Georgia's First-Class Mail service performance gap below national average 167 million: Number of addresses served by USPS 205,000: Letter carriers represented by NALC The backstory The Trump administration, with support from the Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, has floated ideas of USPS privatization or moving the agency under the Commerce Department. These moves, paired with the appointment of a private-sector executive from a competing company, have amplified fears that parts of USPS operations could be outsourced or dismantled. McReynolds insisted the decision was made independently and that an international search firm, Egon Zehnder, conducted the executive search process. A statement from the board confirmed that the choice of postmaster general rests solely with the governors. Why you should care The Postal Service remains one of the country's most relied-upon public institutions, especially in rural areas and states like Georgia where broadband, pharmacies, and other services may be less accessible. With universal delivery hanging in the balance and privatization whispers growing louder, the agency's leadership will likely shape not just mail logistics, but public trust in one of the few services that still reaches every American. Other Georgia Reaction Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) released the following statement on David Steiner's confirmation as the new United States Postmaster General. "This change in leadership at USPS is long overdue. Georgians have been subjected to lost packages, poor customer service, and abject failure by the USPS for years," said Rep. Mike Collins. "It is my hope that under David Steiner's leadership, we can see a USPS that finally meets the needs of Georgians and fulfills its mission to our state and country. I'm looking forward to changes at the agency and will be following closely." What's next Steiner is expected to assume office in July, pending clearance. In the meantime, oversight from lawmakers like Sen. Ossoff will continue as pressure mounts to improve service performance. With the USPS at a pivotal crossroads, all eyes will be on whether the incoming postmaster can stabilize the agency without dismantling its foundational mission.
Entrepreneur
09-05-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
FedEx Board Member David Steiner to Be Postmaster General
Former Waste Management CEO and current FedEx board member David Steiner has been selected to be the country's 76th Postmaster General and CEO by the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors. "It is an incredible honor to be asked to lead the world's greatest postal organization, with a history that stretches back before the founding of the United States," Steiner said in a statement. Steiner was president and CEO of Waste Management for 12 years, from 2004 through late 2016. CNBC reports that Steiner will leave the board of FedEx (he's been there since 2009). He starts in his new role in July. "I deeply admire the public service and business mission of this amazing institution, and I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch," Steiner said. "I look forward to engaging with its employees, who provide such an important service to all our communities." Steiner earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, according to the statement. Amber McReynolds, chair of the Postal Service Board of Governors, said in the statement that Steiner "is the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time" as the historic organization heads into the future with ongoing budget challenges (in 2024, USPS reported a net loss of more than $9 billion).
CBS News
09-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
FedEx board member David Steiner selected as next USPS postmaster general
David Steiner, a former CEO of the nation's largest waste management company who currently serves on the FedEx board of directors, is poised to take over control of the U.S. Postal Service, becoming the nation's 76th postmaster general. The announcement of Steiner's appointment, which drew immediate concerns from postal unions over possible efforts to privatize the USPS, was made Friday by Amber McReynolds, chairperson of the USPS' Board of Governors, during a meeting of the independent group that oversees the service. "We anticipate that Mr. Steiner will join the organization in July, assuming his successful completion of the ethics and security clearance processes that are currently underway," McReynolds said. Friday's announcement by the the Board of Governors comes as President Trump and his adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency have raised the idea of privatizing the nearly 250-year-old Postal Service, which has faced financial challenges amid a changing mail mix and other issues. The choice of Steiner has been seen by the postal unions as a harbinger for possible privatization of some or all of the venerable quasi-public institution, which is largely self-funded and has a mission to serve every address in the country — nearly 167 million residences, businesses and post office boxes. Postal unions have held protests throughout the country over potential privatization, job cuts and possibly ending the universal service obligation. Brian L. Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, said Steiner is not just any executive from the private sector but someone who sits on the board of one of the Postal Service's top competitors. "His selection isn't just a conflict of interest — it's an aggressive step toward handing America's mail system over to corporate interests," Renfroe said in a statement. "Private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. Steiner's selection is an open invitation to do just that." Renfroe's union represents 205,000 active city letter carriers and around 90,000 retirees. Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, which represents more than 220,000 USPS employees and retirees, likened the appointment of Steiner to a fox guarding a hen house. "FedEx has a very different agenda than the public postal service. And they're a major competitor of the United States Postal Service," he said. "I'm not talking about any attributes of an individual, but to me, that's the last type of person you will put in charge of the public institution as the anchor of the mailing package industry in the country." Steiner, who will leave the FedEx board, said in a written statement that he admires the public service mission of the USPS and called it "an incredible honor to be asked to lead the world's greatest postal organization." "I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch," said Steiner, who served as CEO of Waste Management Inc. from 2004 through October 2016. In a written statement, McReynolds called Steiner "the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time to ensure this magnificent and historic organization thrives into the future." "Dave is a highly regarded leader and executive with tremendous vision, experience and skill that can be applied to the long-term mission and business needs of the Postal Service," she added. "Our Board looks forward to working with Dave as he takes on the core mandates of providing universal and excellent service for the American public and doing so in a financially sustainable manner." The Postal Service is in the midst of a 10-year modernization and cost-cutting plan that began in 2021 under Postmaster Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March. The plan is an attempt to stop losses at the agency, which has a budget of about $78 billion a year and is mostly self-funded, including through stamps and packages. Known as "Deliver for America," the initiative has received markedly mixed reviews. While postal officials contend it has led to major efficiency improvements, some members of Congress have criticized it for leading to mail delays, unsustainable postage increases and declines in business. Besides privatization, there's also been talk of possibly moving the USPS under the control of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The choice of Steiner was first reported by The Washington Post.
The Independent
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
FedEx board member Steiner is picked to be next USPS postmaster general amid talk of privatization
David Steiner, a former CEO of the nation's largest waste management company who currently serves on the FedEx board of directors, is poised to take over control of the U.S. Postal Service, becoming the nation's 76th postmaster general. The announcement of Steiner's appointment, which drew immediate concerns from postal unions over possible efforts to privatize the USPS, was made Friday by Amber McReynolds, chairperson of the USPS' Board of Governors, during a meeting of the independent group that oversees the service. 'We anticipate that Mr. Steiner will join the organization in July, assuming his successful completion of the ethics and security clearance processes that are currently underway,' McReynolds said. Friday's announcement by the the Board of Governors comes as President Donald Trump and his adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency have raised the idea of privatizing the nearly 250-year-old Postal Service, which has faced financial challenges amid a changing mail mix and other issues. The choice of Steiner has been seen by the postal unions as a harbinger for possible privatization of some or all of the venerable quasi-public institution, which is largely self-funded and has a mission to serve every address in the country — nearly 167 million residences, businesses and post office boxes. Postal unions have held protests throughout the country over potential privatization, job cuts and possibly ending the universal service obligation. Brian L. Renfroe, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers, said Steiner is not just any executive from the private sector but someone who sits on the board of one of the Postal Service's top competitors. 'His selection isn't just a conflict of interest — it's an aggressive step toward handing America's mail system over to corporate interests,' Renfroe said in a statement. 'Private shippers have been waiting to get USPS out of parcel delivery for years. Steiner's selection is an open invitation to do just that.' Renfroe's union represents 205,000 active city letter carriers and around 90,000 retirees. Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, which represents more than 220,000 USPS employees and retirees, likened the appointment of Steiner to a fox guarding a hen house. 'FedEx has a very different agenda than the public postal service. And they're a major competitor of the United States Postal Service,' he said. 'I'm not talking about any attributes of an individual, but to me, that's the last type of person you will put in charge of the public institution as the anchor of the mailing package industry in the country.' Steiner, who will leave the FedEx board, said in a written statement that he admires the public service mission of the USPS and called it 'an incredible honor to be asked to lead the world's greatest postal organization.' 'I believe strongly in maintaining its role as an independent establishment of the executive branch,' said Steiner, who served as CEO of Waste Management Inc. from 2004 through October 2016. In a written statement, McReynolds called Steiner "the right person to lead the Postal Service at this time to ensure this magnificent and historic organization thrives into the future.' ' Dave is a highly regarded leader and executive with tremendous vision, experience and skill that can be applied to the long-term mission and business needs of the Postal Service," she added. "Our Board looks forward to working with Dave as he takes on the core mandates of providing universal and excellent service for the American public and doing so in a financially sustainable manner.' The Postal Service is in the midst of a 10-year modernization and cost-cutting plan that began in 2021 under Postmaster Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March. The plan is an attempt to stop losses at the agency, which has a budget of about $78 billion a year and is mostly self-funded, including through stamps and packages. Known as 'Deliver for America,' the initiative has received markedly mixed reviews. While postal officials contend it has led to major efficiency improvements, some members of Congress have criticized it for leading to mail delays, unsustainable postage increases and declines in business. Besides privatization, there's also been talk of possibly moving the USPS under the control of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The choice of Steiner was first reported by The Washington Post.
Washington Post
09-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
FedEx board member Steiner is picked to be next USPS postmaster general amid talk of privatization
David Steiner, a former CEO of the nation's largest waste management company who currently serves on the FedEx board of directors, is poised to take over control of the U.S. Postal Service , becoming the nation's 76th postmaster general. The announcement of Steiner's appointment, which drew immediate concerns from postal unions over possible efforts to privatize the USPS, was made Friday by Amber McReynolds, chairperson of the USPS' Board of Governors, during a meeting of the independent group that oversees the service.
