After  33 years, Tom Lippert has retired as Hays Postmaster.  Now he’s busy launching a new career.

Lippert began work at the Hays Post Office in 1984.

At age 55, he was eligible to retire and decided to take a retirement incentive offered by USPS.  As more patrons use the Internet, mail volume is falling and the USPS is struggling financially.  Some post offices have been closed, some have been consolidated as have mail-sorting centers.

Beginning January 1, 2013,  Hays mail will be sorted in Wichita.

Lippert had been taking business classes at Fort Hays State University for some time, and now is committed to earning his MBA.  Where that will take him, he’s not yet sure.

“It was a tough decision to leave the post office.  But I’m definitely looking forward to starting a new career and making a positive impact somewhere,” says Lippert.

His last day was July 31.

Donnie Shubert is the acting Hays Postmaster.   The position is expected to be permanently in October.

Lippert talks about more changes in the U-S Postal Service and the Hays office, tonight on Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14.