Ortonville- After more than 30 years working for the U.S. Postal Service, Judy Hickman was recently named postmaster for the Ortonville office.
Hickman replaces Keith Raymond, who became the officer in charge and postmaster in Ortonville Nov. 27, 2006. Raymond, a Shelby Township native, had served as postmaster in Dryden and will return to that post.
Hickman, a Deaborn native, attended Wayne State University where she studied psychology and sociology. In 1977, she started with the post office as a part-time carrier in Howell.
‘I worked there for awhile and was all set to attend Michigan State University for a Master’s Degree in Social Work, when they asked me to try post office management. I’ve loved it ever since.?
She continued on as postmaster in Holt, just south of Lansing, for about 20 years. During her service, she also worked as the officer-in-charge in Fenton, Battle Creek and East Lansing.
About two years ago, she accepted an assignment as postmaster in Leland, N.C., a community of about 2,000 residents just west of Wilmington. The post office was about the same size as the Ortonville Post Office, said Hickman.
‘The community was just a few minutes from the ocean, with an average temperature of 72 degrees year around. It was great, because I love the water,? said Hickman. ‘It was also one of the fastest growing areas in the nation’averaging an additional three families per day.?
Hickman recently moved back to Michigan to be close to family, including her son Zachary.
‘Ortonville is a pretty place to live,? said Hickman. ‘They typically send me to post offices to fix any problem that may exist’but this office looks great.?
Hickman emphasizes customer service and plans on riding along with the carriers to learn the area better.