Letter from the President

Greetings A-PLUS Members and Friends

I am both honored and humbled that this great organization has entrusted me to serve a second term as your A PLUS National President. Congratulations to all newly elected officers for the 2026–2028 term. I look forward to working with Chairman Alan C. Lewis and the newly elected National Executive Board as we continue advancing the mission of A PLUS.

A heartfelt thank you to the Northeast Region for hosting an outstanding National Convention in sunny Dorado, Puerto Rico. Congratulations to Convention Chair Lou Curry, Co Chair Lyvette Washington, and the entire committee for delivering an informative, action packed, and truly memorable event. The first A PLUS Convention held outside the contiguous United States was, an overwhelming success!

To our A PLUS Members, USPS Managers, Facilitators, Sponsors, and Guests—thank you for attending the 2026 National Convention. Your presence, participation, and engagement made this year’s gathering exceptional. The energy, information exchange, and networking opportunities you created embodied the spirit of our theme: IMPACT—Igniting Minds, Propelling Advancement, and Challenging Tomorrow.

Some of the Highlights included:

• A Town Hall session with Mr. Dane Coleman
• A Presentation from Greg Gray on his newly released book “Wake Me When It’s Over”!
• An All-White Welcome Reception by the pool with food, music and salsa lessons!
• Invaluable sessions from USPS managers on Safety, Labor Relations, Worklife Balance, Leadership Development and Spotlight on You, etc.
• Sessions to empower the whole person were presented by our sponsors on topics such as Healthcare, Medicare, the new USPS Online Retirement System, Finance and Avoiding AI Scams.
• Networking opportunities galore and free time to explore Puerto Rico.

A special Convention highlight was the debut of the A PLUS Choir, led by Cynthia Coles, A-PLUS Eastern Region. Their talent reminded us that excellence in A PLUS extends far beyond the workplace. Even some of our sponsors joined in, lending their beautiful voices to unforgettable performances.

Congratulations to Mr. Howard Patterson, Eastern Region Vice President, on being selected as the 2026 LeGree Daniels Heritage Award recipient—the highest honor bestowed by A PLUS! This recognition is so well deserved. Howard continues to inspire us through his leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to A PLUS and the community. We also enjoyed celebrating him with a lighthearted roast honoring all he contributes.

As we honor 39 years of A PLUS excellence, we stand firmly on the foundation built by our Founders and the promise of our emerging leaders. With the momentum from this Convention, our future is bright.

Congratulations to all newly elected Regional and Chapter officers and thank you to every member for your continued support.
Together, we will keep A PLUS strong.

Introducing the 2026-2028 A-PLUS National Executive Board

Debra Clayton, National President
Brenda Blue, Executive Vice President
Iris Bonhart, Administrative Vice President
Camille Wider, Vice President Retirees
Ricardo Jackson, Treasurer
Lou Curry, Parliamentarian
Patricia King, Corresponding Secretary
Melissa Glover, Sargeant at Arms

Region President
Central, Wayne Vaughn
Eastern, Henry Gibson
Northeastern, Tabitha Gales
Southern, Betty Collins
Western, Regina Beckham

Region Director
Central, Mattie McGee-Smith
Eastern, Alan C. Lewis, Chairman of the Board
Northeastern, Lyvette Washington
Southern, Frederick Johnson
Western, Awanda Hampton-Gaines

We look forward to serving you.

Mark your calendars for the 40th Annual A-PLUS National Convention, April 21 – 25, 2027 at the DoubleTree Chicago Oak Brook. More information is coming soon!

In Unity and Service,

Debra Clayton

A-PLUS National President

“Proud A-PLUS lifer and member since 1990”