David Steiner, the former CEO of the largest waste management company in the United States and a current member of the FedEx board of directors, is set to become the 76th postmaster general of the U.S. Postal Service.
The announcement, which has stirred concern among postal unions about potential moves to privatize the USPS, was made by Amber McReynolds, the chair of the USPS Board of Governors, during a meeting of the independent body that oversees postal operations.
“We expect Mr. Steiner to join in July, contingent upon the successful completion of the required ethics and security clearance processes,” McReynolds stated.
This decision comes amidst discussions by President Donald Trump and his advisor Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency regarding the potential privatization of the nearly 250-year-old USPS, which has been battling financial hurdles due to a shifting mail mix and other challenges.
Steiner’s selection is viewed by postal unions as a possible precursor to the privatization of this significant quasi-public institution that remains largely self-funded and responsible for serving every address in the nation.
Protests by postal unions have been ongoing across the country, with demonstrations against potential privatization, job cuts, and the possible cessation of the universal service obligation.
Brian L. Renfroe, leader of the National Association of Letter Carriers, voiced his concerns, highlighting Steiner’s ties to a major competitor of the USPS.
“His selection represents more than a conflict of interest—it signals a move towards handing over the mail system to corporate interests,” Renfroe remarked. “Private shippers have long wanted the USPS out of parcel delivery, and Steiner’s appointment is an open invitation for them.”
Renfroe’s union represents roughly 205,000 active city letter carriers and about 90,000 retirees.
In a similar stance, Mark Dimondstein, president of the American Postal Workers Union, compared Steiner’s appointment to leaving a fox in charge of a hen house.
“FedEx operates under an entirely different agenda than the public postal service, serving as a significant USPS competitor,” he said. “This isn’t about an individual’s qualities, but such a choice is unsuitable for leading a major public institution.”
Don Maston, president of the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, called on Steiner to uphold the legacy and values of “one of our nation’s oldest and most trusted institutions.”
“The Postal Service isn’t a traditional business—it’s a national network connecting the country and serving all Americans, no matter how remote,” Maston emphasized.
In response, Steiner, who is set to exit the FedEx board, expressed in a statement his admiration for the USPS’s public service and business mandate, calling it an “extraordinary honor” to lead the world’s foremost postal organization.
Steiner reinforced his dedication to maintaining the USPS’s role as an independent component of the executive branch, drawing from his experience as CEO of Waste Management Inc. between 2004 and October 2016.
McReynolds described Steiner as the optimal leader for steering the Postal Service forward, ensuring it prospers in the coming years.
“Dave is a seasoned leader with immense vision and expertise that align with the long-term objectives of the Postal Service,” she shared. “Our board is eager to collaborate with him as he tackles the core mandates of providing universal and superior service to the American populace, while maintaining financial sustainability.”
Dimondstein raised questions about Trump’s potential influence in Steiner’s appointment, accusing the board of neglecting their independent responsibility in selecting a new PMG.
A request for comment was made to a USPS spokesperson concerning these allegations. In a statement, the board clarified that the responsibility of selecting the postmaster general “lies solely” with them, with board members appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
They hired Egon Zehnder, a global leadership advisory firm, to manage the executive search for candidates suitable for the position.
The USPS is amidst a 10-year modernization and cost-reduction strategy initiated in 2021 by former Postmaster Louis DeJoy, who resigned in March. This strategy aims to curb the agency’s financial losses, which operates with a budget of approximately $78 billion annually, largely self-funded through stamps and packages.
Dubbed “Deliver for America,” this initiative has received mixed evaluations. While postal officials assert it has led to significant efficiency gains, some congressional members criticize it for causing mail delays, unsustainable postage hikes, and dwindling business.
A financial report released recently indicated that the Postal Service recorded a $3.3 billion loss in the last quarter, with $2.5 billion attributed to “uncontrolled” costs, including worker compensation premiums. On the other hand, it pointed out ongoing revenue growth from package deliveries, alongside reduced transportation expenses and work hour decreases.
Besides privatization discussions, there are suggestions about possibly transferring the USPS under the U.S. Department of Commerce’s jurisdiction.
Steiner’s appointment was first noted by local news media before being publicly acknowledged.