Tim Jimenez is the new Pine Plains postmaster. The son of two retired New York Police Department officers, Jimenez lived in the Bronx and Rockland County before moving to Dutchess County at the age of 20, where he met his wife. They have three children ages 10, 13, and 16, and are now living in Wappingers Falls. Mr. Jimenez notes that his family will remain there, as two of their children have special needs and a move would be disruptive.
Photo credit: Mary Jenkins
Jimenez has worked for the United States Postal Service (USPS) for twelve years, first as a letter carrier in Poughkeepsie and Wappingers Falls. He was promoted to Poughkeepsie Supervisor, then last year became the postmaster in Poughquag. Jimenez wanted a busier, more challenging location and in November 2022 assumed the position of postmaster in Pine Plains, replacing Nick Gregson who transferred to Woodstock this past October.
Jimenez manages ten employees, servicing Pine Plains, Ancram and Ancramdale. Three clerks and four carriers are based in Pine Plains. He notes that a postmaster has to be able to perform everyone’s jobs, from selling stamps to delivering mail. He also is required to attend USPS training programs and conferences.
Jimenez was shocked when he discovered how much driving the postal carriers do in Pine Plains. Their routes include Ancram and Ancramdale and carriers often don’t finish until 8 p.m. He hopes to consolidate these routes, which will make both the carriers and the clientele happier. Jimenez states that although USPS is a federal organization, he plans on looking out for the local interests of our post office, its employees and our community.
Although Jimenez has been postmaster here for less than three months, he already knows many of the town regulars by name. “Everyone is so much nicer in Pine Plains compared to other places I’ve worked, and I’m talking about both employees and people in the community.”