Los Angeles Postmaster Al Santos, almost would not have been a Postal Service employee if it weren’t for his wife Jacqueline’s urging nearly three decades ago.
After suffering a hand injury and waiting for it to heal, Santos’ wife urged him to apply for a job with USPS. Resistant at first, he eventually became a letter carrier in San Fernando Valley in 1987.
Later when he was approached for a job in supervision, it was his wife’s gentle prods again that led to the career path he is on today and to his recent official installation as 37th postmaster of Los Angeles.
“I am very grateful to my wife and two daughters,” Santos said. “All of this would not have been possible if it wasn’t for them.”
As a youngster growing up in Santa Clarita Valley, he attended Sierra Vista Junior High and Canyon High, where he was a top varsity tennis player, leading his team to three consecutive championships. Santos was such an accomplished tennis player that he attended California State University, Los Angeles on a tennis scholarship. Nowadays, he stays in shape by running marathons, teaching martial arts and participating in triathlons.
Prior to his current position, Santos served as Sacramento District Manager. As Los Angeles Postmaster he is responsible for overseeing thousands of employees and an annual operating budget of more than $250 million.
