
Mr. Louis DeJoy's appointment as the 75th Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in May 2020 had a significant impact on the leadership of the organization.
He brought over 30 years of experience in the logistics and transportation industry to the role.
DeJoy's leadership style emphasized efficiency and cost-cutting measures, which led to changes in the way the USPS operates.
These changes included the implementation of a new pricing system and the elimination of overtime pay for postal workers.
DeJoy's efforts aimed to make the USPS more competitive in the market and to reduce its financial losses.
Mr. DeJoy's Role and Responsibilities
Mr. DeJoy's role as the Chief Executive Officer of the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a significant one, with a wide range of responsibilities.
He oversees the operations of the USPS, which includes managing the organization's finances, personnel, and facilities. The USPS has a workforce of over 500,000 employees and a budget of over $160 billion.

Mr. DeJoy is responsible for implementing the USPS's strategic plan, which aims to make the organization more efficient and self-sufficient. This includes exploring new revenue streams and reducing costs.
As CEO, Mr. DeJoy reports directly to the USPS Board of Governors, which is responsible for overseeing the organization's overall direction and strategy. The Board of Governors is composed of nine members, including the Postmaster General, who is also the CEO.
Mr. DeJoy has a background in logistics and operations management, having worked in the private sector for over 30 years. He has experience in managing large-scale operations and has a track record of implementing cost-saving measures.
The USPS is an independent agency of the federal government, and as such, Mr. DeJoy must navigate a complex web of regulations and laws in order to make decisions. He must also work with Congress and other stakeholders to ensure that the USPS remains financially sustainable.
USPS Leadership Changes
Louis DeJoy, the head of the US Postal Service, is stepping down. He confirmed this in a statement, citing his intention to retire.
DeJoy's exit comes after he agreed to let a team led by Elon Musk help the USPS find further efficiencies. This move was made this month.
Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino will take over until a new postmaster general is named by the USPS governing board.
How is a Postmaster General Chosen?
The postmaster general is chosen by the Board of Governors, which oversees operations for the Postal Service. The Board is made up of as many as nine governors, who are appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
No more than five governors at any one time may be from the same political party, which helps to ensure a balanced perspective.
The governors select and have the authority to remove the postmaster general, giving them significant influence over this important role.
USPS Head Steps Down Amid Overhaul Considerations
USPS head Louis DeJoy is stepping down as head of the country's mail service.
DeJoy's exit comes after he agreed to allow the DOGE team of President Trump's billionaire adviser Elon Musk to help find further efficiencies at USPS.
DeJoy was appointed to lead the Postal Service during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has overseen the rise of voting by mail for two presidential elections.
A 10-year reorganization plan was rolled out in 2021 to bring financial stability to the postal system.
Critics of the plan say that consolidating mail-processing centers and other changes have slowed service, especially in rural communities.
The USPS governing board will name a successor to DeJoy, with Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino set to head the service until then.
The Commerce Department is considering taking control of the USPS, which would be a significant change to its independent status.
This move would likely violate the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970, which transformed the Post Office Department into an independent establishment.
Trump's administration is also considering privatizing the United States' mail service, which has sparked protests across the country by unions of postal workers.
Postal Service Chief Promises 'Heroic' Effort to Deliver Mail Ballots
The USPS Leadership Changes have been making waves, and one of the key figures is Louis DeJoy, the postmaster general.
DeJoy has a history of making changes to the mail delivery system, aiming to make it more efficient and less costly. He's consolidated mail processing centers, which has slowed service and raised concerns, especially in rural areas.
DeJoy has disputed these claims, saying the Postal Service is investing in new facilities and making other changes to deliver mail more quickly. He's committed to creating a "Postal Service for the future."
Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, DeJoy restricted overtime payments for postal workers and stopped late and extra truck deliveries. This reduced costs but meant some mail was left behind to be delivered the next day.
A federal judge stepped in, limiting one of the postal service's cost-cutting practices due to delays in mail delivery.
Mr. DeJoy's Leadership and Impact
Mr. DeJoy was hired as postmaster general despite concerns about his background as a Republican donor.
The plan to make the mail delivery system more efficient and less costly involved consolidating mail processing centers, which critics argue slowed service.
DeJoy disputes these claims, stating that the Postal Service had embarked on long-overdue investments in "ratty" facilities and made other changes to create a more efficient service.
Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, a federal judge limited one of the postal service's cost-cutting practices after finding it contributed to delays in mail delivery.
DeJoy restricted overtime payments for postal workers and stopped the agency's practice of allowing late and extra truck deliveries, reducing costs but leaving some mail behind to be delivered the next day.
DeJoy has overseen the Postal Service during two presidential elections that saw spikes in mail-in ballots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has DeJoy been postmaster general?
Louis DeJoy served as Postmaster General for nearly 5 years before resigning. He held the position from approximately the start of his tenure until his resignation.
Can the postmaster general be replaced?
Yes, the Postmaster General can be replaced by the governors, who also have the authority to select a new one. The replacement process typically involves the full Board selecting a new Deputy Postmaster General.
Sources
- https://www.lansingstatejournal.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/02/20/louis-dejoy-resign-united-states-postmaster-general-usps/79292443007/
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/24/politics/usps-head-dejoy-resigns/index.html
- https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2025-02-18/us-postal-service-head-dejoy-to-step-down-after-5-years-marked-by-pandemic-losses-and-cost-cuts
- https://www.wesa.fm/2025-03-24/usps-head-louis-dejoy-steps-down-as-trump-officials-consider-postal-service-overhaul
- https://apnews.com/article/mail-ballots-voting-postal-service-dejoy-7799ebbaeaf757a5f353c171e540e973
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