Duncan resigns from USPS board for health reasons

By Linn’s Staff

Robert M. “Mike” Duncan, a governor of the United States Postal Service, announced his immediate resignation March 27 from the board because of health reasons. Duncan joined the board in August 2018 and served as chairman from September 2018 to February 2021. His current term was set to expire in December 2025.

Duncan in his resignation letter reflected on his tenure since 2018, a period he stated was marked by challenges such as declining revenues, aging infrastructure, and the absence of a coherent vision for the Postal Service. He highlighted his and the other governors role in appointing Louis DeJoy as the 75th postmaster general to address these issues. DeJoy implemented the Delivering for America plan to modernize USPS operations, reduce costs, and invest in infrastructure while maintaining six-day delivery to more 167 million addresses.

Duncan expressed pride in USPS achievements under DeJoy’s leadership, including the delivery of more than 12 million COVID-19 test kits during the pandemic. Despite progress, Duncan acknowledged ongoing challenges in securing the Postal Service’s future as a critical national infrastructure.

“I am grateful to my fellow governors for their leadership and dedication to the Postal Service, and I am especially thankful for the dedicated Postal workers who serve tirelessly to keep our nation connected,” said Duncan.

The resignation coincides with the board’s search for the 76th postmaster general after DeJoy resigned March 24.

Deputy Postmaster General Doug Tulino is currently serving as interim leader until a successor is appointed.

“My fellow governors and I are grateful to Mike Duncan for his service to this Board and to the Postal Service,” said Amber McReynolds, chairwoman. “In 2018, Mike was tasked with reestablishing the Board’s governance and operations after it had gone more than a year without any presidentially appointed governors. His leadership and vision for the Postal Service have played a big role in our efforts to create long-term sustainability for this critical organization.”

“Mike Duncan’s business and political acumen was a great asset to the Postal Service during a period of historic transformation,” said acting Postmaster General Doug Tulino. “He has been an important leader for the Board, and Postal Service leadership is happy to have had his counsel and insights during this critical time.”

The U.S. Postal Service board of governors is composed of nine governors appointed by the president with senate confirmation, along with the postmaster general and deputy postmaster general. The governors are responsible for selecting the postmaster general, while the postmaster general and the governors together appoint the deputy postmaster general.

The current USPS board of governors consists of the following six members: two Republicans, Roman Martinez (in his holdover year) and Derek Kan; two Democrats, Ronald Stroman and Daniel Tangherlini; one  Independent, chairwoman Amber McReynolds; and deputy postmaster general Doug Tulino.

There are currently four vacant governor seats. According to the Postal Service “Governor Martinez’s term expired Dec. 8, 2024, but he is allowed to serve for up to one additional year (‘holdover year’) or until a successor is confirmed, whichever comes first.”

With governor Duncan’s departure, President Donald J. Trump can now nominate candidates for five seats on the board.

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