A-PLUS

African American Postal League United for Success!

Letter from the President

Greetings A-PLUS Members and Friends

Thank you for the trust you have placed in me as I begin my second year as A-PLUS National President. Your unwavering support and commitment have been the cornerstone of our organization’s success over the years. A-PLUS remains dedicated to strengthening our members through training, resources, and support as the Postal Service continues to transform.

The 38th Annual A-PLUS National Convention held at the Maryland Live Hotel and Casino in Hanover, Maryland, is in the books! A special thank you to our Eastern Region hosts – the Baltimore and Washington DC Metro Chapters.  Congratulations to Convention Committee Chair Kimberly Harris, along with the entire Convention Committee for delivering an outstanding convention that was informative, inspirational, and action-packed!

Thank you to all our A-PLUS Members, Facilitators, Sponsors, Vendors, and Guests who attended! Your presence and participation made the Convention a resounding success with great sessions, information exchange and networking opportunities. We could not have done this without you.

Some of the Highlights of the Convention included:

  • Greg Gray, A-PLUS Sponsor In Kind & CEO of Greg Gray, Inc., set the tone for our national convention in his opening general session, Six Levers of Influence, in which the internationally renowned speaker provided A-PLUS with tools for growing and sustaining our organization.
  • Joshua Colin, Chief Performance Officer and Executive Vice-President, Mr. Dane Coleman, Vice President Processing Operations, Mr. Todd Hawkins, Vice President Operations, Eastern Region, Ms. Jenny Utterback, Vice President Organizational Management along with former DPMG and current Governor of the USPS, Ron Stroman provided our attendees with up-to-date information on the state of the U.S. Postal Service.
  • A-PLUS partnered with National Presidents Ivan Butts (NAPS) and Anthony Leonardi (UPMA) in a panel discussion, Stronger Together, as we navigate the ongoing changes within the Postal Service and advocate for our members.
  • The descendants of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion of the U.S. Women’s Army Corps inspired us with their message of excellence, resilience, and perseverance at our inspirational luncheon.
  • A captivating celebration of historical Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs), and the Divine Nine, during our special Hospitality Night sponsored by A-PLUS National Platinum Sponsor, Postal Bluebook Help.
  • The Launch of “Focus _ 40”, a new initiative offered by A-PLUS and led by Executive Vice President, Brenda Blue to nurture emerging leaders. This program will pair A-PLUS members who have 10 or more years remaining in their postal career with seasoned postal managers for tailored training, coaching and mentorship.
  • Retiree Sessions including Medicare Fraud and a Soulful Paint and Sip
  • Motivational Sessions held by Dr Kimberly Hayes – We Collide and Walter Studivant’s session on Changing Hearts and Minds through Building Relationships.
  • Exclusive Connection & Networking sessions such as Spotlight on You, the Executive/Manager Roundtable and Toastmasters in which attendees had the opportunity to hone their elevator pitches and spend time with networking with managers and executives in a way that only A-PLUS can provide its convention attendees.
  • Informational Sessions on Retirement Planning and Postal Healthcare Benefits Options and updates provided by our Sponsors and USPS HR representatives.
  • A-PLUS was presented with an eye-opening session on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and You by Terrence Jackson, Microsoft Corporation.
  • For the first time, A-PLUS offered an after convention excursion that took several members to the  National Museum of African American History and Culture(NMAAHC) in Washington DC.

 

The convention culminated with our Annual A-PLUS Awards Banquet. A heartfelt Congratulations goes to the 2025 Dr. LeGree S. Daniels Heritage Award Recipient – Ms. Nikki Lowe, Senior Plant Manager of Louisville KY! Currently on assignment as the Executive Regional Plant Manager in Indianapolis, Indiana, Nikki is well deserving of the  highest honor bestowed by A-PLUS.  She epitomizes the National Convention’s Theme: “Cultivating Potential, Surpassing Boundaries!”

Congratulations to all our award recipients for your outstanding contributions to A-PLUS, your Region, Chapter, and your local communities!

Community Service Award Recipients:

  • Wilmington Chapter
  • Triad Chapter
  • Atlanta Chapter

President’s Awards were presented to:

  • Central Region – Alisha Hope
  • Eastern Region – Clarence Davis, II
  • Northeast Region – Heather Steele-Collins
  • Southern Region – James Hill, Jr.
  • Western Region – Katherine Robinson
  • National – Lou Curry and Camille Wider

We are thrilled to announce that the 39th Annual A-PLUS National Convention will be held from May 4, 2026 to May 8, 2026 at the Embassy Suites Dorado Del Mar Beach Resort, Dorado Puerto Rico! This convention promises to be an enriching experience filled with networking, professional development, and cultural celebration. We encourage all members to make their travel arrangements and submit annual leave requests promptly to ensure full participation in this landmark event.

Currently, we are accepting nominations for positions on the National Executive Board for the 2026–2028 term. This is an opportunity to lead and shape the future of A-PLUS. Nominations will remain open for 30 days following the close of the 38th Annual National Convention and election results will be announced during the 39th Annual National Convention in Puerto Rico.

As we embrace the opportunities and challenges facing our world today, A-PLUS remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence, leadership development, and member support. Together, we will continue to navigate the evolving landscape of the Postal Service and emerge stronger.

Thank you for your membership. Please remember that A-PLUS membership dues accepted year-round. We warmly invite new members to join us and humbly ask former members to renew your membership. Get engaged with a local chapter and remain engaged all year long. We are stronger together!

Wishing you a joyful spring season and a prosperous year!

In Unity and Service,

Debra Clayton

A-PLUS National President

“Proud A-PLUS lifer and member since 1990”