AUBURN – Michael Foster has been appointed the new postmaster of Auburn.

Foster began his postal career as a letter carrier, serving 17 years in that capacity. He was born and grew up in Portland, then joined the Air Force, attending college at night, studying business administration.

Of his 29 years in federal service, Foster has spent the last nine in postal management, serving as a customer service supervisor, as a labor relations specialist, and as the postmaster of Kittery. He has also been acting manager of the South Portland Letter Carrier Annex and officer in charge of the Freeport Post Office.

The Auburn Post Office operates 20 hours a day, sorting mail by automated machines for 12 offices in the 042 zip code areas and acting as a transportation link, receiving mail collections from 62 other post offices in the state before transporting it to other locations. With 11 docks at his post office, Foster is responsible for the third largest postal dock operation in the state.

A Saco resident, Foster enjoys spending time with his four children, aged 22-30, and four grandchildren, ages 1-4. He and his wife of 30 years, Diane, like visiting with friends, boating, and playing board games.