27-year veteran named Vina postmaster
By Staff
Melissa Cason
Franklin County Times
VINA – The Town of Vina recently welcomed a new Postmaster to their small town's Post Office.
Postmaster Denise Pierce has been on the job for only three weeks, but she is no rookie when it comes to making sure operations run smoothly for the U.S. Postal Service.
Pierce has spent the last 27 years with the Postal Service, the last 10 of which as Postmaster in Belmont, Miss.
"I was a clerk for 17 years in Red Bay, and I moved to Belmont to take the Postmaster position there," Pierce said. "I love Red Bay and it was difficult to leave, but it was an advancement for my career."
Pierce was born and raised in Red Bay, and is a 1973 graduate of Red Bay High School.
"It was great working in Red Bay because I knew a lot of people being from there," Pierce said.
Pierce said that the pace of the Belmont Post Office was hectic and extremely busy, meaning she wasn't able to provide the level of customer service she most enjoyed.
"Belmont was so busy that I didn't have time to talk to my customers like I wanted," Pierce said. "I want to get to know each and every one of my customers. The people are what this job is all about."
The Belmont Post Office handles more than 200 transactions daily.
Pierce said Vina residents have welcomed her with open arms and dropping by to meet her.
"I had a little girl about 10 years old come in here yesterday and ask me if I was the new Postmaster," Pierce said. "When I told her yes, she shook my hand and said that it was nice to meet me."
Since coming to Vina, Pierce has already begun making changes to the Post Office and plans to make improvements soon.
"We changed things around behind the counter because it was just so dark in here," Pierce said. "I'd love to get some landscaping done out front, and add some new paint to the building."
In addition to her career, Pierce enjoys gardening and is an animal lover. She is a member of the Red Bay Garden Club, and was once heavily involved with the Bay Tree Council where she performed in several productions.
"It's [performing in plays] is a lot of fun but very intense for six weeks," Pierce said.
