MPOO 4 leadership promotions

Manager Post Office Operations (A) Paul Birge is pleased to announce the following promotions in MPOO 4 and congratulates each on their new leadership roles:

David Johnson has been selected as the Postmaster, Sandersville GA Post Office. David has served in multiple OIC assignments and has been a SCS in Dublin for over 8 years; he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new assignment.

Greg Kimball has been selected as the Postmaster, Sparta GA Post Office. Greg has a wealth of postal experience in both Customer service and operations.  His background will serve him well in his new position and allow him the opportunity to reach out and assist the group.

Clarence Riggins has been selected as the Manager Customer Services at Buena Vista Annex Columbus Post Office.  Clarence has been the Manager, Customer Services (A) at Buena Vista Annex where they have made great improvement during his detail.  His great leadership and past roles in plant operations will make him an excellent addition to the Management team in Columbus.

DeHart manages District IT Team and Softball Team Moms

Information Technology Manager (A) Amy DeHart does a remarkable job handling the challenges the IT team faces daily addressing the concerns and issues of 682 post offices/stations/branches, 7 plants and district administrative offices within the Gulf Atlantic District.  However, her managerial skills do not stop there.  She is a proud volunteer team mom of the Orange Park Athletic Association 10U All-Star Crush Softball team which includes DeHart’s daughter Danielle.  The team moms keep the games going, the girls playing, and the fans fed. What a great way to give back to the community!

This girls’ softball team are the champions of the District Tournament in Jacksonville and then moved onto the State Tournament in Lake City.  They finished 4th out of a field of 23 teams statewide and are invited to play in the Regional Tournament in NC later this month.  They were the final remaining team in the State tournament to represent the Duval/Clay Counties area.

Team Moms L-R:  IT Manager (A) Amy DeHart, Micki Frances,
Shelly Hamilton, Amy Mann, Kim Willette

Orange Park Athletic Association 10U All-Star Crush Softball team members and coaches

Inverness Postmaster recognizes Million Mile Safe Driver Award, Retirement Service Awards

Inverness FL Officer-in-Charge Kim Chandler presented Letter Carrier Ari Otero with the Million Mile Safe Driver Award for maintaining an accident-free driving record throughout his career. 

OIC Chandler also recently presented Retirement Service Award certificates to the following employees, each with 35 years plus of service:  Letter Carrier Ari Otero; Sales, Service Associate Alice Neal; Distribution Clerk Vickie Neal and Laborer Custodian Marc Williams.

They will all be missed for their years of service, knowledge and postal experience.  Alice Neal was known for her postal spirit - the whole community knew her --- as she would always decorate the front counter for all the holidays from her own personal stash.  She would also celebrate with everyone - employees and the public when a new stamp was issued — many times dressing up as:  Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball, Tinkerbelle, Dorothy from the “Wizard of Oz,” a Mouseketeer and a credit card.   She was Inverness’ cheerleader - well known for her community service as well as her postal service.

Vickie Neal was quiet, very efficient, most knowledgeable, and hard-working clerk who pretty much ran the behind the scenes operations.  She was the liaison with local businesses and the closing clerk.  She was the go-to expert.

As Maintenance/Custodian, Marc Williams was always busy doing whatever needed to be done to keep the post office, postal property and the postal vehicles going.  A hard worker and a team player always—we’re sure he will not miss his name being called over the loud speaker numerous times  — which he always did willingly - a true servant.   Congrats to you all!

 L-R:  Officer-in-Charge Kim Chandler, Carrier Ari Otero, Supervisor Leslie Digirolamo

L-R:  Sales, Service Associate Alice Neal, Officer-in-Charge Kim Chandler, Custodian Marc Williams

Macon VMF employee presented service award

Macon GA Vehicle Maintenance Facility Manager Shelba Burwell recognized and commended Auto Mechanic Neanus ‘Tony’ Hughes for his dedication to the Postal Service and presented him with a 25 year Service Award.  “It is a pleasure to have Tony on our team of mechanics at the Macon GA VMF,” stated Manager Burwell.

L-R:  Mechanic A. Tony Hughes, VMF Manager Shelba Burwell

Jacksonville Post Offices and Stations score perfect 100% Retail Customer Experiences

“Congratulations to the teams at each office.  Thank you for offering exceptional customer service and making the customer experience important,” said Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik.

Middleburg FL Post Office 32068
Arlington Station 32277
Orange Park Main Post Office 32073
Orange Park-Fleming Island Finance Station 32003
Yulee FL Post Office 32097
NW St. Johns Finance Station 32259
Southpoint Finance Station 32216
Atlantic Beach Station 32233
South JAX Station 32207

Macon PSE Shaun Smith honored with the Rising Star Award

Macon Maintenance Dept. PSE Shaun Smith is recognized as the first recipient of the Macon Rising Star Award.  Mr. Smith recently completed his first book, “Life after a Terrible Relationship”:  a gripping and potent memoir filled with a range of emotions and a tone of honesty that is unforgettable.  “My hope is to touch someone’s life in a positive manner.  My inspiration to write came strictly from my life experiences,” stated Mr. Smith.  Kudos and much success to Shaun!

Macon’s rising star initiative is a program for Macon Post Office and Plant employees initiated by Learning Development Specialist Yolanda Finney (Domicile Macon).  This program focuses on recognizing employees for their accomplishments inside and outside of the Post Office. Realizing that Macon has a diverse pool of employees who possess many gifts, skills and interest that impact not only the workplace but the community as a whole, Yolanda welcomes positive information to share to promote our employees as they make a positive difference in the community.  This is a VOE initiative established to recognize employees and let them know their efforts inside and outside of the Post Office is appreciated.

Macon PSE Shaun Smith holding a copy of his first book,
“Life After A Terrible Relationship”

Macon Plant recognized with Six Achievement Awards

Macon P&DC Acting Plant Manager Linda Mungin recently recognized Macon’s Plant employees for their contributions to the achievement of six awards presented the Gulf Atlantic Leadership Meeting in Jacksonville Florida.   The awards included Most Improved VOE QTR 2 FY 2014, Best Improvement to SPLY % Cancelled by 2000, Best Overall Performance VOE- Index, and Best Improvement to SPLY OVN P&DC.

Ms. Mungin thanked the employees for a job well done. The employees took pride in their accomplishments and are excited to accomplish even more!

Macon P&DC Tour 3 employees

Macon- Holt Annex Tour 3 employees

Valdosta Supervisor shares proud Academy Award moment

Valdosta Supervisor Customer Services Tony Hall and family traveled to Hollywood CA to watch son Zane Hall accept the Gold Student Academy Award in the Alternative Category for the film “Person.”  Zane was the cinematographer, sound engineer, colorist and First Assistant Director for this film.  It is now being considered for an Academy Award in the Short Film category.  Zane is currently working on pre-production for his Senior Film at the Art Institute of Jacksonville. Congratulations!

L-R:  Zane Hall, Valdosta Supervisor Tony Hall

Employee Educational Fair – Jacksonville FL

Learning, Development and Diversity Manager Delano Jackson coordinated an Employee Education Fair at the Jacksonville P&DC to provide employees of all crafts and levels the opportunity to communicate with and obtain developmental materials and information for career empowerment and self-development.  Many employees took advantage and visited the schools represented at the fair which included the University of Phoenix, Barry, Bethune-Cookman, DeVry, Walden, Troy, Nova, Strayer, and Saint Leo Universities.

L-R:  Health and Resource Management Specialist Phyllis Alexander,
DeVry University’s Reuben Bryant.

College counselors discuss options with employees

Gainesville Letter Carrier Symonette helps save a life

Sinking SUV

Marcus Lady was working in a shop at the Uptown Village apartment complex along Northwest 39th Avenue on Tuesday afternoon when he heard three loud bangs.  As the apartment maintenance man ran toward apartment buildings on Northwest 23rd Drive where the noise was coming from, he saw two cars, yards apart with their sides smashed in. He saw the cause of the crash when he turned toward the nearby retention pond, he said.

In the middle of the pond, halfway sunk, was a dark burgundy SUV. Lady could see a man inside, he said, but he wasn't moving and the vehicle was sinking.  The man inside the car -- later identified as Gerald G. Bacoats, 64 -- had lost consciousness after apparently having some sort of medical episode, Gainesville Police Department officers said, which caused Bacoats to hit two vehicles and then crash into the pond around 2 p.m., GPD spokesman Officer Ben Tobias said.

Lady didn't waste time. He took his cell phone out of his jeans pocket, pulled off his dark brown work boots and dove in. A mailman, later identified as Gainesville Main Post Office Letter Carrier Alan Symonette,  on his route nearby also waded into the pond to help Lady. "I didn't think about the snapping turtles, the snakes or the alligators," Lady said. "I just jumped in."

Lady and the mailman searched, but couldn't find a way inside the vehicle. The doors of the SUV were shut and Bacoats, who apparently lives in Uptown Village, didn't seem to realize his car was brimming with green pond water, Lady said.  Russell Gault heard the crashes too while he sitting in his apartment. He ran out to the retention pond and saw Lady and the mailman trying to get Bacoats out of the SUV.  At first, it looked like they had everything under control, Gault said. But the vehicle with Bacoats inside was sinking quickly and deeper into the pond, so Gault dove in as well.

Gainesville Letter Carrier Alan Symonette

Bacoats' eyes were wide open, but blank and unresponsive, Gault said. Finally, Lady, Gault and the mailman found a way in through the open driver's window, he said.  Other bystanders had joined them and together they pulled Bacoats out of his vehicle and onto the shore. Bacoats was alert and responding by the time they reached shore, even recognizing Lady.

Tobias said officials transported Bacoats to UF Health Shands Hospital with minor injuries. GPD officers called Ultimate Towing, who chained the vehicle and pulled it out. Gallons of water burst out of the SUV, in which the driver's airbag had deployed.

After going home to change, Lady and Gault both came back to the scene. They told the story again to people passing by and each time, they asked, "So, where's the mailman?"  He just left, Lady said, smiling. After they pulled Bacoats to shore, the mailman told them he had a route to run and disappeared down the road.   (As reported in the Gainesville Sun newspaper)

Pottsburg Carrier to the rescue

Jacksonville Pottsburg Station’s City Carrier Associate Mark Pegram was delivering his route. As he passed a residence, a man speaking only Spanish came to the door. Mark could see he was in obvious distress and at home by himself. Mark noticed the man was having difficulty breathing and being understood. Mark called 911 and attended and stayed with the man until the medical attendants arrived. Seeing everything was being taken care of, Mark proceeded and completed his route.  Accolades are extended to Mr. Pegram for being attentive and reacting quickly to save a customer’s life.

Macon GA Post Office Recognized for Best Retail Customer Experience Performance

Macon GA Post Office under the leadership of Postmaster Tim Goodwin, is recognized as the top performing Retail Customer Experience city in the Gulf Atlantic District for EAS 24 offices.  They have achieved six continuous quarters at 100% for Wait-Time-In-Line.

Congratulations Macon Post Office!

L-R:  Manager Post Office Operations-4 (A) Paul Birge MPOO 4, District Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar, Southern Area Marketing Manager Yolanda Loar, Southern Area Vice President Jo Ann Feindt,  Macon Postmaster Tim Goodwin, Gulf Atlantic District Manager (A) Susan Aronson, Senior Plant Manager  Steve Hardin.

Statesboro Post Office achieves retail success

Congratulations to Statesboro GA Post Office for successfully achieving 10 consecutive Retail Customer Experience evaluations at 100%.

L-R:  Manager Post Office Operations (3) Ken Brantley, Sales & Services Associates Glenna Henry and Lori Giles, Statesboro Supervisor Customer Services Marvin Palmer, Sales & Services Associate Hillary Coney, Statesboro Postmaster Mike Thompson, Sales & Services Associates Christy Davis and Sara Owens, District Marketing Manager Lucious Sumlar.

Atlantic Beach Carrier assists Police capture bank robber

The police from three different departments were combing the Neptune Beach area for a man who had just robbed a bank, of an undetermined amount of cash, and reportedly fled into a wooded area that led into a residential neighborhood.  Unaware of this incident, Atlantic Beach Letter Carrier Steven Gonzalez was delivering mail, on his route, when he noticed a suspicious man on a bicycle in some bushes, approximately a third of a mile from the robbery scene.  Gonzalez immediately called the Neptune Beach Police Department and reported the suspicious activity and his observations.  The police rushed to the area and after a short chase tthe man was apprehended after being subdued with a taser gun. Jacksonville’s main newspaper The Florida-Times Union published an article about the robbery, which included Gonzalez’ observant and quick action that ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest.  Gonzalez is commended for taking precautionary measures and assisting in the capture of a robbery suspect.

Atlantic Beach Letter Carrier Steven Gonzalez

Jacksonville Post Office Promotions

Al Walker promoted to Manager CS, Westland Station.
Al was previously Manager CS, Naldo Station

Evelina Atanassov promoted to Manager CS, Atlantic Beach.
Evelina joins us from the Greater Boston district.

Dee Carter promoted to Customer Relations Coordinator.
Dee was previously a Human Resource Specialist.

Jacksonville P&DC employees helps co-worker

On the morning of May 17th, television stations around Jacksonville broadcasted the tragic news of a fire that destroyed an entire building of 32 units.  No lives were loss but the contents of the apartments were.

When Jacksonville P&DC employees found out one of their own, Mail Handler Assistant Sherika Guyton, lived in the building along with her young nieces and nephews, her co-workers immediately sprang into action and set-up a collection site for toys, clothing, and other everyday necessities.  The support and camaraderie of the P&DC Team is commendable and gives strength to the term “it takes a village.”

Jacksonville P&DC Mailhandler Tony Cameron holding donations for Sherika Guyton.

JAX Pottsburg Team supports our troops

When Pottsburg Manager Customer Service Terry Atkinson was contacted by customer Florida Blue to assist in the preparation of 266 Large Flat Rate Priority Boxes which contained care products for the troops overseas, he wholeheartedly agreed like he has done for the past seven years.  Atkinson utilized two of his trucks to transport the packages to his office.  With his team of volunteers:  Pottsburg Supervisor Customer Services Ginger Trisch, Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle, Retail Manager (A) Brenda Johstono, Supervisor Customer Service Support (A) Dinah Mulvey, and Customer Relations Coordinator Dee Carter; the task was accomplished within three hours. “As the mom of a retired Army Veteran, I know how much these care packages mean to the men and women serving in our Armed Forces,” said Supervisor Trisch.  The packages filled five GPCs and were sent to Jacksonville P&DC for processing.

L-R: Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle, Retail Manager (A) Brenda Johstono, Pottsburg Supervisor Ginger Trisch, Supervisor Customer Service Support Dinah Mulvey.  Seated:  Pottsburg Manager Terry Atkinson.

Ponte Vedra hosts capacity crowd for eBay Workshop

Ponte Vedra Postmaster Beverly Dye and Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle were expecting 20 customers for the ‘eBay – Grow Your Business Days’ workshop held at Ponte Vedra Post Office on June 26, 2014.  However, on the day before the workshop over 63 customers had signed up to attend.  Ponte Vedra’s small conference room only accommodated 20 but Dye and Pierle worked diligently within the final hours to transform a corner portion of the workroom floor into a seating area large enough for the attendees. eBay Certified Education Specialist Danna Crawford captivated the attendees with great marketing and starting points for buying and selling eBay strategies which included a bonus session on Every Door Direct Mail.

L-R:  Business Development Specialist Linda Pierle,
Ponte Vedra Postmaster Beverly Dye

eBay Workshop Attendees

Biohazard Detection System Exercise at Jacksonville P&DC

One June 10th, Jacksonville P&DC conducted a Biohazard Detection System (BDS) full drill exercise to ensure management and craft employees are knowledgeable and prepared in case of an actual emergency.  Local first responders including state and local health departments, city emergency management, local police, and fire personnel were active participants with the Gulf Atlantic District Emergency Management Team, Postal Inspection Service, and the Employee Assistance Program counselor.  The facility’s employees were well-prepared thanks to extensive preparedness communications and informational signage posters displayed throughout the facility which also houses district administration.
     

Jacksonville P&DC employees observe the simulated BDS exercises in action.

 

Jacksonville Post Offices earn top honors in Quarter II

At the Gulf Atlantic District’s Quarter II Leadership Meeting, Jacksonville Stations/Branches/Associate Offices (MPOO s) was recognized for its performance.  Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik accepted honors for Best Percentage of Carriers on the Street by 0930; Best Percent to Standard F2A, Best Performance Carriers Back by 1800; Best to Plan Total Operating Expenses; Best Percent to Standard F2B; and Best Reduction in Overtime Grievance Payout.

Postmaster Gornik shared the accomplishments with her team members at her staff meeting.  Sick Leave Performance Recognitions were given to the following: Brian Gordon Mgr Arlington 3000 hours; Albert Diaz Mgr South Jax 2500 hours; Charles Prince PM Yulee 2500 hours; Jan Farmer PM Green Cove Springs 2000 hours; Debra Gornik PM Jax 2000 hours; Michael Wright Mgr Monument 2500 hours; Susan Phillips PM Middleburg 2000 hours; Al Walker Mgr Naldo 2500 hours; and Dolores Seuwin 2000 hours Sick Leave.

Jacksonville Stations/Branches/Associate Offices Managers,
Postmasters holding category awards.

L-R:  JAX Managers Customer Service Brian Gordon (Arlington), Albert Diaz (South Jax), Yulee Postmaster Charles Prince, Green Cove Springs Postmaster Jan Farmer, Jacksonville Postmaster Debbie Gornik, Jax Manager Customer Service Michael Wright (Monument), Middleburg Postmaster Susan Phillip, Jax Manager Customer Service Al Walker (Naldo), Manager Customer Service Operations (A) Dolores Seuwin.

Jacksonville Postmaster celebrates Historical Oath of Office

On May 30th, Southern Area Vice President (AVP) Jo Ann Feindt administered the Oath of Office to Jacksonville Postmaster Debra A. Gornik.   This historical event not only recognizes Gornik as the 35th Postmaster of Jacksonville FL, but she is the first female Postmaster since the appointment of a Jacksonville Postmaster in 1824.  Gornik also served as Jacksonville’s first female Officer-in-Charge in 2013.  She joined the Jacksonville Postal family after serving nearly 26 years in the Suncoast District.

In addition to AVP Feindt, program participants included Southern Area Manager Operations Support Eric Chavez, Gulf Atlantic District Manager (A) Mary Sullivan, Postal Customer Council Industry Co-Chair Dan Lawlor, NAPS Southeast Area Vice President Jerry Sebastian, Jacksonville Mayor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Michelle Barth, Manager Post Office Operations (A) Paul Birge, Melbourne Postmaster Diane Tindle, and Manager Customer Services Cynthia Myers. The Jacksonville Naval Air Station Honor Color Guard Team performed the Presentation of Colors with the National Anthem performed by Priscilla Upperman of Davidsonville, MD, Ms. Gornik’s niece.

In the presence of many dignitaries from the Duval County community and over 150 attendees that included postal executives from around the nation, Deputy Chief of Staff Michelle Barth presented Gornik with a City of Jacksonville Proclamation on behalf of Mayor Alvin Brown which proclaimed May 30th as American Postmistress Day in Honor of Debra Gornik.  The proclamation also acknowledged the accomplishments of female postal employees nationwide.

Debbie Gornik began her postal career 27 years ago as a Clerk/City Letter Carrier in Pinellas Park, FL. During the span of her career, she has held numerous positions including Supervisor Mails; Supervisor of City Delivery and Collections, Manager Customer Services; Manager Post Office Operations; Officer-in-Charge and a detail assignment to the Southern Area as Manager of Delivery Programs.

As Jacksonville Postmaster, Gornik oversees 33 stations, branches, associate offices and 1,449 employees.  She is responsible for mail delivery to 549, 342 residential and business delivery point and 40,185 post office boxes.

In 2011, she was awarded the Postal Customer Council (PCC) Postal Leadership Award for the Southwest Area and is also the Northeast Florida PCC Co-Chair.

Debbie is the proud mother of two wonderful men, Vince and Mikey.

L-R:  Melbourne Postmaster Diane Tindle, Jacksonville’s Mayor Chief of Staff Michelle Barth, Jacksonville Manager Customer Services Cynthia Myers, NAPS Southeast Area Vice President Jerry Sebastian, Northeast FL Postal Customer Council Industry Co-Chair Dan Lawlor, Jacksonville Postmaster Debra Gornik, Southern Area Vice President Jo Ann Feindt, Gulf Atlantic District Manager (A) Mary Sullivan, Southern Area Manager Operations Support Eric Chavez.

Southern Area Vice President Jo Ann Feindt (left) administering the Oath of Office to Jacksonville Postmaster Debra Gornik with hersons Vince (left) and Mikey (right) assisting.