Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Chief logistics officer retires
Kelly Abney oversaw the redesign of the USPS transportation network
Kelly Abney, the Postal Service’s chief logistics officer, retired July 5.
Abney led the redesign of the organization’s transportation network, including its shift away from air transport. He also oversaw the deployment of a state-of-the-art logistics systems platform.
His efforts led to “the reduction of over a billion dollars in costs from our transportation budget while improving service reliability,” Postmaster General Louis DeJoy wrote in a memo announcing Abney’s retirement.
DeJoy praised Abney’s ability to create an environment where collaboration is recognized and rewarded, including the implementation of two employee recognition programs — Driver of the Year and Carrier of the Year, both of which were presented at the recent National Postal Forum.
He also served as an advisor for the rollout of the COVID-19 test kit programs for the White House and Health and Human Services Department.
Abney brought more than 30 years of logistics and procurement experience with him when he arrived at USPS in 2022, including serving in senior supply chain positions at Walmart, Sears/Kmart, Payless Cashways and XPO Logistics.
Use a smartphone, tablet or laptop? Keep it secured
Mobile devices are susceptible to cyberattacks
The Postal Service wants to remind employees and contractors of ways to protect their USPS-issued mobile devices from hackers.
Smartphones, laptops and tablets are susceptible to cyberattacks through malware and other threats if they are not secured.
A successful cyberattack could disrupt mail processes, cause data loss and damage the Postal Service’s brand.
Employees and contractors with USPS-issued devices should:
• Use strong passphrases with a minimum of eight characters;
• Keep up with all required software updates;
• Not click on any suspicious links;
• Always use a virtual private network, or VPN, to connect to the internet;
• Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access the internet, including at hotels and during flights;
• Not click on text messages with URLs from numbers not on your contacts list; and
• Back up data stored on mobile devices.
Handbook AS-805, Use of Information Resources, has more information about mobile device security.
The CyberSafe at USPS Blue and LiteBlue pages also have information.
July 23, 2024
Datebook
‘Zero Waste Eating’
Postal Service employees may participate in an upcoming webinar to learn ways to prevent food waste.
The session, “Zero Waste Eating,” will be held Tuesday, July 23, at 1 p.m. Eastern.
Representatives from GEHA, a provider of health plans for federal employees, will lead the discussion.
Participants must register before the event on the webinar website.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees with questions can email the USPS Benefits and Wellness team.
New postcard emphasizes importance of change
The latest Delivering for America postcard was recently mailed to employees’ homes.
The card focuses on the importance of change throughout USPS, such as reducing the organization’s financial losses and making many other improvements that are putting it on a path to thrive.
In addition to being sent to employees’ homes, Delivering for America postcards can be downloaded from LiteBlue.
Each card addresses a different topic and features information that employees can reference when discussing the plan with co-workers and customers.