Katherine Tobin set to return to USPS Board of Governors

US President Barrack Obama is nominating Dr Katherine C Tobin to make a return to the Board of Governors at the US Postal Service. Dr Tobin was first appointed to the Board by President George W Bush back in 2006, but stepped down in 2009 as she took up the post as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Performance Improvement at the US Department of Education.

During her last term on the Board, she was chairman of its Audit and Finance Committee.

Dr Tobin, whose background includes roles in non-profit advocacy groups and corporate consultancy as well as a strong component of market research, particularly in the technology industry.

This included work for the likes of IBM and Hewlett-Packard, the latter recruiting her while she completed her doctorate at Stanford University in order to help them better understand their customers and become more competitive.

Along with her PhD from Stanford University’s School of Education, Dr Tobin has degrees from Skidmore College and the University of Massachusetts’ School of Education.

As an official in the Department of Education, her role has been to strengthen the organisational culture to help it work more effectively with a range of partners to implement Obama’s educational reforms.

President Obama said on Friday he was making the nomination to the Board along with a number of other key posts in his Administration including an ambassadorship and national museums appointments.

He said: “These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles and I am proud to have them serve in this Administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.”

Susan LaChance

Meanwhile, the US Postal Service has revealed that one of its top executives responsible for its relationship with customers is set to retire after next month’s National Postal Forum.

A popular member of the USPS leadership team, as vice president of consumer and industry affairs, Susan LaChance has been important in helping to bridge the gap between USPS senior management and customers, as the organisation has begun to make some of the biggest changes to its network in its history.

A recipient of the prestigious Postmaster General Award, LaChance began her career as a part-time employee while still an undergraduate, and spent much of her time at the Postal Service, including her time in management, engaged in human resources services.

Commenting on her retirement, Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said paid tribute to the her “exceptionally strong role” in the leadership team in advocating for the interests of major stakeholders.

“She has done so during a time when the stakes have been high, and we have proposed fundamental changes to our business,” he said.

“Susan ensured the voice of the customer was well-represented in senior management deliberations. She has also been a leading force in driving improvements in customer experience, measurement and results.”

LaChance will be succeeded in her role by the current vice president of pricing, Maura Robinson, who has been responsible for pricing for postal and non-postal products since 2008. Previous to this, she has served as manager for for transformation and strategic planning.

“Maura’s background in pricing and product issues makes her uniquely qualified to work with the broad spectrum of our customers,” said the Postmaster General.

“She will lead our efforts to engage in positive dialogue about the future of the mailing industry with all our customers, to find practical solutions and simpler ways for customers to work with the Postal Service, and to encourage growth in the mailing industry.”