HOULTON, Maine — In today’s growing digital age, keeping customers happy is arguably the top priority for the United States Postal Service.
That is why Houlton’s newest Postmaster, Morgan Deane, is eager to carry on the proud tradition established by her predecessor, longtime Houlton Postmaster Henry Gartley.
Gartley retired Oct. 27, 2021, after a 10-year stint as the head of the Houlton branch, and an 18-year career with the postal service.
“It is a great honor to serve Houlton as your new Postmaster,” Deane said. “In my years with the United States Postal Service, I have seen firsthand the role the Postal Service plays connecting neighbors and our community to the nation. Our Post Offices serve as a lifeline for our small businesses to reach customers no matter where they are.
“I definitely have some big shoes to fill here,” Deane added.
HOULTON, Maine — June 27, 2022 — Henry Gartley has retired as postmaster for the town of Houlton after a 10-year stint as the head of the Houlton branch, and an 18-year career with the postal service. (Photo courtesy of Morgan Deane)
Deane, who also serves as postmaster for Monticello, Oakfield, Smyrna and Wytopitlock, said Gartley left her with some words of wisdom that she cherished.
“He told me to take care of the customers,” Deane said. “Without our customers, we would not be in business.”
Working in the postal business is a family tradition for Deane, but not one that she immediately expected. Upon graduating from Hampden Academy, she considered a career as a dentist, but when she was offered a position with the postal service, Deane said the opportunity was too good to pass up.
Her father, Geoffrey Dean, worked for the postal service for 26 years before he passed away in 2021. Fresh out of high school, Morgan Deane spent eight years working at the Postal Service’s Eastern Maine processing plant in Hampden, where her father served as the manager.
Within one year, Morgan found herself with a career position with the postal service.
Relocating to Houlton was not something she originally planned, but when her fiance, Hunter Cotton, was assigned to Troop F of the Maine State Police she started looking at a move to The County.
She applied for a supervisor position at the Houlton Post Office and when Gartley offered her the job in November 2019, she knew it was meant to be. She also worked briefly for the Island Falls Post Office.
“I am forever thankful for Henry for giving me the opportunity,” she said.
“Morgan will do a great job and is committed to the area,” Gartley said. “The crew is behind her 100 percent and she is not afraid to get her hands dirty. I see nothing but good for the Houlton Post Office.”
Deane said due to staffing issues, it is not out of the realm of possibilities for people to see her out delivering mail. Under perfect conditions, she would be responsible for roughly 27 full and part-time workers. The department has several openings for help.
Gartley said he felt the time had come for him to step aside, because of the incredible crew that he had assembled in Houlton.
“It seemed like a good time to move on and let a younger person take over,” he said. “I did a lot of deferred maintenance on my home throughout the winter and spring, which I really enjoyed. Lately I’ve been working at the (Aroostook Historical and Art) museum, which I’m also passionate about.”
