Postmaster Wanda Poteat’s first official act as Jefferson’s new postmaster was to dedicate the 2016 Kwanzaa stamp with (from left) Massachusetts State Representative Russell Holmes, Holden/Jefferson Board of Selectmen Chairman Anthony Renzoni, Poteat, State Representative Kimberly Ferguson and Manager of Post Office Operations Mark Howell.       

Born and raised in Worcester, the new postmaster of Jefferson gives a bird’s eye view of the town.

“The Jefferson community is my extended family and I’m honored to be welcomed with open arms,” said Postmaster Wanda Poteat. “The Post Office is my ‘Mom and Pop Shop’ where everyone gives everyone the respect they would give their mom and pop.”

With one hand placed on the Bible and her family nearby, Poteat of Worcester, was officially sworn in as postmaster, taking the oath of office at an Oct. 6 ceremony.

In front of friends, postal leadership, her own employees, and elected officials, Poteat took on the challenge to lead the vibrant Post Office in Jefferson, covering the ZIP Code area of 01522.

Hosted at St. Mary’s Church in Jefferson, Massachusetts State Representatives Russell Holmes and Kimberly Ferguson, Congressman’s James McGovern’s representative Holly Hodgkins and postal managers lauded the new leader.

“You’re a role model,” said Hodgkins. “I hope to have some of the same success one day.”

Board of Selectmen Chairman Anthony Renzoni remarked about the Jefferson Post Office, “It truly is a community center” and wished Poteat well as she “takes over this great community asset.”

Nicolas Francescucci, postmaster of Boston Post Offices, administered the traditional postmaster’s oath as Poteat’s grandson TayMur Poteat held the Bible. Wanda repeated, “I will conduct myself honorably rendering the best possible service and the highest form of respect to the customers and employees I serve and serve with.”

Francescucci described Poteat as “enthusiastic and dedicated.” “It takes a leader to get this position,” he said.

As postmaster of Jefferson, Poteat manages five employees who reach nearly 1,300 deliveries and service Post Office boxes daily.

Poteat has worked for the U.S. Postal Service since 2007, beginning as a mail handler in Greensboro, NC. She’s held managerial positions in Massachusetts and Rhode Island including supervisor of Customer Service in Framingham, and supervisor of mail processing in Providence and Shrewsbury as well as officer-in-charge in Upton and Sherborn.

The history of postmasters in America dates back to 1639 when the first legislation was passed for a postal system. Richard Fairbanks of Boston is traditionally cited as the first postmaster in America under the colonial system.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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