STOCKTON, CA — On February 14, 2018, Harry Centeno will follow a proud tradition dating back when Benjamin Franklin was the first Postmaster General of the United States.

Centeno will raise his right hand to take the official oath of office as the 30th Stockton Postmaster at a 10:30 a.m. ceremony at Stockton Main Post Office, 4245 West Lane, Stockton, CA 95208. Post Office Operations Manager Alfred Valdivia will administer the official oath of office.

Centeno began his Postal Service career in 1986 as part-time flexible carrier in San Jose, CA. However, he subsequently moved to Stockton a short time thereafter. Centeno worked in Stockton for over 20 years before branching out to work in various cities in Northern California and Seattle as he advanced in his management career. Centeno also spent five years in the Navy before being honorably discharged.

“To me, being Postmaster is prestigious, but it is also a position of servitude,” Centeno said. “Before you can lead well, you must first serve well.” I want to be the kind of leader that brings about positive changes through extraordinary customer service. Positive change starts with me and extends to my professional letter carriers, who are the eyes and ears of the community and our stellar retail associates that aim to serve every customer with a smile. My goal is to make Stockton great again, by leaving a legacy of superior customer service coupled with outstanding community involvement.”

Centeno enjoys reading, playing basketball and watching movies by a fire. He’s a past member of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, vice president of the Montezuma Little League, mentor at the Stockton Homeless Mission and the Men’s Leader at Light House of the Valley Church.

Centeno has three children, Harry Centeno Jr., Erica Carrillo and David Centeno. His mother is America Centeno and his siblings are: Daisy Otero, Sylvia Olivetti, David Centeno and Edgar Centeno.

As Stockton Postmaster, Centeno oversees over 113,000 daily mail deliveries and over 10,000 daily pieces of mail delivered to Post Office boxes. He manages over 200 employees.

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