Lori Rogney was installed as Merrill’s new postmaster during a ceremony last Wednesday on the steps of the historic Merrill Post Office. She was joined by Merrill postal employees, her family and members of the public.

Rogney had served as the postmaster for Marshfield since 1994. She comes to the 54452 zip code to succeed recently retired Merrill postmaster Joe Fink, who attended Rogney’s installation ceremony.

Rogney grew up in the Auburndale/Marshfield area and started her career with the U.S. Postal Service as a clerk and carrier at her local post office. She is now into her 30th year with the postal service.

In addition to 16 years as Marshfield Postmaster, Rogney did a 3-year stint as postmaster in Stratford, was acting manager of Post Office operations in the Green Bay area, was acting postmaster in Wausau, and was responsible for half the city of Milwaukee, among other details.

“I’ve always been doing different assignments in the state,” Rogney said.

She has also been involved in the Central Wisconsin Postal Customer Council, which brings together the post office and their business customers to provide the best service possible. The Central Wisconsin council was named national council of the year in 2006.

After Fink’s retirement, Rogney decided to put in for the job. Her family has had a home on Lake Nokomis in the Tomahawk area for some time.

“I felt the timing was right to move north,” she said.

In Merrill, Rogney is moving to a smaller operation; the Marshfield office has over 60 employees while the Merrill office has 32.

She has been in Merrill now for three months and has been impressed with the operation.

“This is a very well organized office, and one thing I have really noticed is the work ethic,” she said. “When someone is sick, other people are willing the step up to help out. They really cover each other. That’s not just for the benefit of the employees, but for the benefit of the customer.”