PMG Pat Donahoe has named Drew Aliperto to succeed Sylvester Black as vice president, Area Operations, Western Area. Aliperto will assume his new duties Oct. 1, when Black retires from the Postal Service.

Since 2009, Aliperto has served as vice president, Area Operations, Pacific Area, where he has improved cost management and focused on collaboration to achieve operational efficiencies. Among the positions he has served during his 34-year career at USPS are plant manager in St. Paul, MN, and senior plant manager at the Sacramento, CA, P&DC.

In his new position, Aliperto will assume responsibility for a workforce of 104,000 employees who serve 49 million customers in all or parts of 18 states.

“Drew has proven experience in employee and stakeholder relations,” said Donahoe. “He has maintained the balance needed to meet customer needs and productivity goals — a skill that is critical for all our leaders as we focus on returning to a more stable financial path and long-term success.”

Following the PMG announcement, COO Megan Brennan announced Dean Granholm will become acting vice president, Pacific Area. Granholm currently is vice president, Delivery and Post Office Operations.

Brennan also announced that Greg Graves will become acting vice president, Delivery and Post Office Operations. Graves, a 29-year USPS veteran, has worked at all levels of the Postal Service and has extensive delivery and customer service experience.