Just as she did as an ironworker, Darby Keels is looking to build something as Eugene’s 23^rd Postmaster.

Taking the oath of office on June 27, Keels set aside her days of welding and tying rebar and looks to create stronger community ties and customer service.

“I take pride in ensuring that every piece of mail—whether it’s a package, a letter, or a prescription—reaches its destination safely and on time,” she said. “I understand that our work keeps communities connected, supports small businesses, and ensures critical communications are delivered.”

Keels began her postal career in December 2015 as a retail associate in Royal City, WA, leaving a career as a journeyman ironworker in Seattle. Keels said she sought employment with the Postal Service because of its stability and her desire to be in public service.

“The Postal Service plays a vital role in every community, and being part of that mission provides a sense of purpose,” she said.

Keels also found the many career advancement opportunities within the Postal Service attractive, taking on her first supervisory role in Pasco, WA. She later went on to serve as Postmaster in College Place, WA; Veneta, OR; Enumclaw, WA; Maple Valley, WA; Issaquah, WA; and Roseburg, OR.

As Eugene Postmaster, Keels oversees 295 employees in four stations across Eugene. Those stations support 153 delivery routes serving 105,572 delivery points. Keels also oversees operations of the Gateway retail location and the Eugene Business Mail Entry Unit.

"I’m incredibly proud and honored to serve as the 23rd Postmaster of the Eugene Post Office during its 175th year of service to this community,” Keels said. “To be part of such a long and meaningful legacy, built on dedication, reliability, and connection, is both humbling and inspiring. This milestone is a testament to generations of postal workers who came before me and the trust the people of Eugene have placed in us for nearly two centuries. I look forward to carrying that legacy forward with pride and commitment.”

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