SAN JOSE, CA — On, August 21, 2024, at 11:00 am, Rick Keppeler will follow a proud tradition dating back to 1849 when J.D. Hoppe took office as the first Postmaster of San Jose.

In his 30th year as a Postal employee, Keppeler will raise his right hand to take the official Oath of Office as the Executive Postmaster of San Jose at a ceremony at the Rotunda at San Jose City Hall, 200 E. Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95113.

WestPac Area Vice President Eduardo Ruiz will administer the oath.

His appointment will serve as a true full-circle moment, Keppeler, who grew up in the Monterey Peninsula, started his postal career in San Jose in 1994 after serving for several years as a military policeman in the US Army.

Keppeler stepped into management in 1999 as a Supervisor at the Salinas Post Office. Throughout his career he continued to serve in roles of increasing responsibility including Manager, Customer Service in Scotts Valley, Manager Customer Service in San Antonio, TX and Postmaster of several cities including, Soquel, Seaside and Santa Clara.

His most recent role was as Manager of Post Office Operations before his promotion as Executive Postmaster of San Jose.

As outlined in the USPS Delivering for America plan, the postal service is committed to modernizing and continually adapting to the evolving needs of all customers. As the Executive Postmaster of the San Jose Post Office Keppeler is prepared to serve his community with that development in mind.

“I pride myself on a life of serving my Country and Community in the US Army and as a Postmaster. I find it very fulfilling to contribute to society positively by helping others and providing consistent service for the citizens of San Jose,” said Keppeler.

Keppeler is the proud father of daughter Teaghan Keppeler and sons Jacob and Benjamin Keppeler.

He resides in Spreckels, CA with wife Mindy Keppeler.

In his spare time Keppeler enjoys traveling and staying active by walking, playing golf and tennis.  

As San Jose Executive Postmaster, Keppeler oversees 785,000 pieces of mail delivered to over 374,323 delivery stops while also servicing over 22,570 Post Office Boxes. He manages 776 employees and oversees 592 San Jose City Routes, 8 City routes and 1 Highway Contract Route to serve a population of over 1,013,240.

Keppeler replaces former San Jose Postmaster Aron Jones, who was recently named the District Manager for the Santa Ana Postal District.

# # #