About Jim, president

 James "Jim" Temple began his career with the United States Postal Service in 2001 as a Temporary Relief Carrier before becoming a Rural Carrier Associate later that year. In December 2007, he became a full-time Rural Carrier. During his time in craft, Jim also served as a 204-B, gaining experience in rural payroll, scheduling, and day-to-day postal operations.

Jim's leadership career continued as Officer in Charge of the Bristol Post Office before he earned his first EAS position in 2014 as Supervisor of Customer Services at the Elkhart Post Office. In 2017, he served as Officer in Charge of the Level 22 Goshen Post Office, and in 2018, he was promoted to Postmaster of Mishawaka, Indiana, a position he continues to hold.

Throughout his career, Jim has sought opportunities to broaden his experience beyond local operations. He served as Acting Marketing Manager for the Greater Michigan District in 2021, helping support the organization through its restructuring and transition to Michigan 2. In 2022, he served as Acting Safety Manager for Michigan 2.

Jim is currently detailed to the USPS Retail & Post Office Operations Capability, Competency & Proficiency team, where he supports national initiatives focused on strengthening retail and post office operations, training, employee development, and operational proficiency. His work has included contributing to national training programs, policy development, field support initiatives, and projects designed to improve consistency and performance across the Postal Service.

One of Jim's greatest professional passions is developing others. He strongly believes leadership is not defined by a title, but by the impact a person has on the people around them. Teaching, mentoring, and coaching have become central to his leadership philosophy, with an emphasis on helping others develop their skills, recognize their potential, and prepare for future opportunities.

Jim joined the United Postmasters and Managers of America in 2021, a decision he considers one of the best of his professional career. UPMA provided him with something he had been missing: a community of people who understood the challenges of postal leadership and shared a commitment to supporting one another. That experience reignited his passion for leadership and service and quickly led him to become more involved in the organization.

Since joining the Indiana Chapter Executive Board, Jim has served as At-Large Vice President of Conventions and Education and At-Large Vice President of Legislative and PAC before becoming Executive Vice President. His involvement has extended well beyond the positions he has held. Jim has worked to modernize the chapter's communications and technology, expand online registration and payment capabilities, strengthen chapter branding, organize conventions and educational programs, support legislative advocacy, and develop new ways to engage and serve Indiana UPMA members.

His involvement with UPMA has also provided opportunities to assist and educate members beyond Indiana, participate in national and regional UPMA events, and advocate for Postmasters, managers, supervisors, and other EAS employees throughout the Postal Service.

Whether working for the Postal Service or UPMA, Jim's philosophy remains the same: leadership is about service. He believes strong leaders set the example, invest in others, take responsibility when things go wrong, share credit when things go right, and leave their organization stronger than they found it.