After almost 40 years with the U.S. Postal Service, Cleveland Postmaster Louise Nix has announced she is retiring.
Nix's postal career began in 1978, when she started as a clerk at the Dahlonega Post Office. Ten years later, with the retirement of then-Postmaster Josephine Head, Nix was named postmaster in Cleveland.
That was just prior to construction of the current post office building on Ga. 75/Helen Highway.
Back then, Nix said the operation had five rural carriers. There are now 20 routes, including Helen and Sautee.
Another big change has been a transition between dealing mostly with letters to the current large volume of parcel delivery from Amazon and other businesses. Last week, Cleveland Post Office delivered more than 20,000 parcels in White County, according to Nix.
Nix said she's tried to operate a post office that is cordial and customer-friendly.
"My goal has always been I wanted people to enjoy coming to the post office, not 'I’ve got to go to the post office'. We wanted everyone to come in and receive a friendly smile and someone to be helpful. Hopefully, we’ve succeeded in that.”
Nix said it was a bittersweet decision to leave the position, but noted one of the key factors was being able to spend more time with her grandchildren. She said it’s time to move on and let someone else take the reins.
Nix said she will remain active in the community after her retirement.
“I’ve always wanted to be known as somebody who gave more than she took, and hopefully I can continue to do that,” Nix said. “I want to give back to this community that has been so good to me and my family.”
Nix's last day is Jan. 2.
Postal officials will name an officer in charge to handle responsibilities until a new postmaster is appointed later in January, according to Nix.
