Mailing industry watchers expect the U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors to name current vice chairman David Fineman as its new chairman tomorrow.
Fineman would replace Robert Rider who has served as chairman since 2001.
"He's someone who has a good understanding of the issues at a time when that's really needed," said Neal Denton, executive director of the Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers.
"He's gregarious, bright and articulate, and will be able to defend the postal service especially in front of the new Presidential Commission," added Gene Del Polito, also president of the Association for Postal Commerce. "He's a good choice."
In December, President Bush named a Commission to study the USPS. That Commission is holding its first meeting on Wed. Jan. 8.
Fineman, a Democrat, was named a Postal Governor by President Clinton in May 1995. (Governors are appointed by the President, but the board selects its own chairman). A Philadelphia-based lawyer for the past 25 years, Fineman has also served as special counsel to the Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Banking and the state's Insurance Commissioner.
Less certain, though, is who will replace Fineman as vice chairman.
The BOG looks poised to name Fineman as its chairman, despite that fact that nearly all the power in Washington is now in Republican hands.
"That shows you how much the postal service knows about politics," said Del Polito.
