After over twenty years of postal service, Thurmont’s Postmaster James Adams is ready to hang up his cap and move on to other opportunities at the end of the month.
Adams has dedicated his service to the community and ensuring mail and packages are efficiently and accurately distributed while providing remarkable customer service to everyone he meets.
After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1998 with a B.S in psychology, Adams became a temporary rural postal carrier and never looked back.
Adams’ responsibilities included overseeing rural and city postal carriers, a mail verifying distribution center, a busy retail operation, and the operations of Rocky Ridge and Sabillasville post offices.
Postmaster at the Thurmont location for 11 years, Adams credited outstanding mentorship that encouraged him to strive through his post office career and aim for management.
The cornerstone of Adams’ management style has been to develop the same level of mentorship in all of his employees and maintain a family-like atmosphere with communication.
"It’s a team effort, it’s what we’re all about. I like to think they share my passion in serving our customers," he said.
A humble individual, Adams was grateful for his entire division and wholeheartedly praised his teams as the lifeblood of the area post offices.
"We have a great level of communication and I have empowered them to assist me and do their job correctly each and every day," Adams said. "The Post Office is made of two aspects, customer service, and processing and distribution, and both departments work hard to ensure each step of the process gets careful and dedicated attention from skilled and reliable associates."
Adams' favorite aspect of post office work has always been the interaction with the customers. Adams receives a tremendous amount of gratification through helping others, resolving issues and overcoming obstacles. The satisfaction achieved when he and his teams are able to resolve an issue makes it all worth it.
"We work hard to provide outstanding customer service each day. Some days are easier than others," he said. "We are all called to love and be of service to others. "
Adams looks forward to spending his retirement with his family including his five grandchildren. "I have thoroughly enjoyed everything I have accomplished throughout my postal career. I’m at that point in my life where I’m ready for the next chapter," he said.
