Villemaire takes the oath in Tampa

 

Jackie Villemaire is sworn in as Tampa's new Postmaster by Tim Costello, Southern Area Vice President of Retail & Delivery Operations. The bible on which Villemaire laid her hand was held by her mother and stepfather, Margaret and Larry Harden. 

"It is a great honor to serve Tampa as your new Postmaster," said Jackie Villemaire after being sworn in as the 45th Postmaster of Tampa on June 24, 2022. 

 

"In my 26 years with the United States Postal Service, I have witnessed firsthand how our organization connects neighbors and communities to the nation," she continued. 

 

The ceremony, held at Davis Islands Garden Club, was attended by nearly 100 employees, friends, and family members, including her husband Charles and their two sons, Joshua and Ryan.

Tim Costello, Vice President, Retail & Delivery Operations for the Southern Area, gave the oath of office. The MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard made the presentation of colors, the Tampa Fire Department's Hometown Heroes performed the National Anthem, and Interbay Station Manager of Customer Services Herbert Rahmings III gave the invocation.

 

John Knapp, Tampa Manager of Customer Service Operations, kept the ceremony flowing as master of ceremonies. Historian Rodney Kite-Powell of the Tampa Bay History Center was the keynote speaker. Other speakers included Postal Inspector James Giehl and Tampa Bay Postal Customer Council Industry Co-Chair Erica Switzer.

Tampa Fire Chief Barbara Tripp and Deputy District Director for Congresswoman Kathy Castor, Dewayne Mallory, also made presentations.

 

It was William G. Sanders who became the first Postmaster in November 1831. Mrs. Elizabeth D. Barnard became the city's first female Postmaster in January 1923. 

 

Villemaire began her postal career as a mail processing clerk in Tampa in 1996. Throughout her 26-year career, she has held numerous Postmaster and other leadership positions of increasing responsibility.

 

“Tampa Post Office serves as a lifeline for our city to reach customers no matter where they are,” she said. “I am proud to serve this community.”

Villemaire talks to a reporter with Bay News 9 prior to the start of her swearing-in ceremony.

Members of the MacDill Air Force Base Honor Guard make the presentation of colors.

Villemaire was presented a Tampa Buccaneers jersey by the team’s Director of Security Operations Andres Trescastro.

Interbay Station Manager Herbert Rahmings III gives the invocation.

Administrative Assistant Laura Procyk, who helped organize the event, treats herself to refreshments. 

Villemaire (right) is congratulated by Supervisor, Customer Services Support Andrea Brunger.

Villemaire (center) poses with her station managers and other administrative support.