Today, the United States Postal Service officially installed Mary Basnett as the newest postmaster for Ashland, Oregon. She is the 16th postmaster to serve the Ashland community.

She began her career 19 years ago as a carrier in Anderson, California and was promoted to the supervisor customer service at the Chico and downtown Redding, California Post Office locations. Basnett also served as a postmaster in LaCoste, Texas, Bella Vista, California, Palo Cedro, California, and Weaverville, California.

As postmaster Basnett oversees 44 employees, approximately 13,502 mail deliveries, 892 Post Office Boxes (PO Boxes), and a retail unit.

Three years ago, the Postal Service implemented the “Delivering for America” (DFA) 10-year plan to achieve financial sustainability and service excellence. Basnett is doing her part by creating a stable environment for new employees and customers, as well as helping customers with their mail needs and questions.  

Basnett says when she first started with the Postal Service her mentor shared a story of how he developed relationships with his customers throughout the years. His job allowed him to witness many milestones such as kids’ first steps to driving their first car. “The sound in his voice showed me this is more than a job. It showed me we touch so many people’s lives and that the customers were more than just customers. Now I am building my legacy and creating the future that will also be Delivering for America”.

Being a postal employee runs in Basnett’s family. Both of her parents were employed by the Postal Service after retiring from the Navy. Her late father was a custodian, and her mother was a letter carrier, a distribution clerk, and currently works as a contractor for the Postal Service.

When not on duty, Basnett enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She also enjoys running and hopes to sign up for a half marathon to prove to herself that she can still do hard things.

  

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