Federal Manager's Daily Report

In a development unique since the U.S. Postal Service was crafted into a semi-independent government corporation in the early 1970s, the entire Board of Governors is now vacant apart from the Postmaster General and her deputy.

The nine-member body oversees postal operations similar to how a private-sector corporate board functions; members are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate and in turn hire the PMG and deputy PMG.

For the last year, chairman James Bilbray was the only sitting appointed member, but his term has now expired. While the board can delegate many responsibilities to the PMG and deputy PMG, only the board itself can take certain actions, according to the postal IG.

These include rate and fee changes for market dominant postal products; establishment of rates and classes for competitive postal products; requesting the Postal Regulatory Commission to add, remove, or reclassify products; authorization of a notice to the PRC of substantive changes to product descriptions in the mail classification schedule; and selection of a firm to conduct required financial audits.

“The Board of Governors’ statutory role is to provide independent strategic guidance to the Postal Service while ensuring that it fulfills its mission to the American people. In addition, the Constitution requires that executive branch entities, including the Postal Service, be run by presidential appointees. We believe that together, these factors demonstrate the need for a strong, independent board with a diversity of knowledge and experience,” the IG said.