Omar Abuhashish 

Back to Top

Cindy Allen 

Cindy established Trade Force Multiplier to assist international trade enterprises by identifying company and compliance risks utilizing data analysis; providing results driven reporting that demonstrates value, identifying mitigation strategies, and key investments for the C-Suite; outlining technology strategies that align with targeted risk levels; performing import and export focused due diligence for merger and acquisition activity; and providing valuable governmental agency and legislative insights and engagement services. 

Cindy has been actively involved in the international trade industry on a consistent basis for 35 years and has held various positions in the import and export operations, consulting, compliance, and automation arenas. Previously, she served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance responsible for ensuring that FedEx Logistics remained compliant with current laws and regulations that govern business on a global basis. Cindy also served as the Executive Director of the ACE Business Office at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as Vice President at several private sector firms.

Cindy testified before the Senate Finance Committee on customs modernization in February 2023, as well as before the House Committee on Homeland Security Committee in 2008 regarding cargo security. Cindy is a past member of the DHS Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC); an executive committee member of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW); and an active member of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), International Compliance Professional’s Association (ICPA), and American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI). Cindy has been a frequent speaker at customs compliance seminars, roundtables, and conferences for many associations while in both the private sector and government employment.

A licensed customs broker since 1990, Cindy is also a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) and Certified Export Specialist (CES) through the NCBFAA.

Back to Top

James Amyx 

Back to Top

Brian Barber 

Brian Barber brings more than 25 years of hands‑on experience in customs regulations, international trade, and cross‑border logistics. As Vice President of U.S. Brokerage Operations and Government Affairs at Willson International Inc., he leads with a blend of regulatory expertise and practical operational insight.

A licensed U.S. Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) in both the U.S. and Canada, Brian oversees compliance, staff development, and operational performance for Willson’s brokerage operations. He also serves as the qualifying officer for the company’s corporate license and national permit, helping ensure Willson maintains its long‑standing reputation for regulatory excellence. His work often bridges policy and technology, partnering with solution providers to meet evolving government requirements while improving the client experience.

Brian’s industry involvement extends well beyond his day‑to‑day role. He spent a year in Washington, D.C. with the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, served two terms on the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC), and is a Past President of the Northern Border Customs Brokers Association. He continues to stay active in key trade facilitation and policy groups with U.S. Customs and Partner Government Agencies.

Brian is known for making complex regulatory topics accessible, and he brings a practical, real‑world perspective to every conversation.

Back to Top

Sam Basu

Sam Basu is the Co-Founder and CEO of Amari, an AI platform built specifically for customs brokers. Amari's technology automates entry preparation, flags compliance exceptions in real time and adapts to regulatory changes, so teams can maintain speed and accuracy. Today, Amari works with the leading custom brokers and processes over 1M+ entries per year, saving brokers thousands of hours of manual data entry and audits.

Before founding Amari, Sam spent 6 years as a senior engineer at Google, building large-scale AI and data infrastructure. After seeing firsthand how rapidly the trade landscape was changing, he turned his focus to customs - one of the most document-intensive, regulation-sensitive industries in global commerce.

He looks forward to discussing how purpose-built AI can strengthen the compliance expertise that licensed brokers bring to every shipment.

Back to Top

Michael Brown

Back to Top

Pam Brown

Pam Brown is the Vice President of Future Forwarding Company who operates as a freight forwarder, 3PL provider, customs broker, FTZ operator as well as provides compliance services for import and export.  She has been in the industry for 40 years and has a board base of experience across multiple facets of the international trade industry.  Currently operating two CFS stations as well as two FTZ’s in the Metro Atlanta area, regulatory requirements and compliance are a passion.  She is a licensed Customs broker, certified customs specialist, certified export specialist and currently serves as the Area 4 representative on the NCBFAA Customs Committee as well as the Board of Directors.  She has previously served in the Atlanta International Forwarders & Brokers Association for many years in roles and loves serving the community.  Currently serving as Scholarship Chair for the association.  

Back to Top

Anne-Marie Bush

Since 2004, Anne-Marie Bush has been president of Veritrade International, a duty drawback specialist in Bellevue, WA.  Ms. Bush is active on the drawback committees of the NCBFAA, the PCC and the Customs Brokers and International Freight Forwarders Association of Washington State.  Currently she is serving on the CBP Drawback Working Group and as the PCC Secretary.

Starting out at 6 months old with crossing back and forth to Canada, Ms. Bush began a lifelong connection in getting things “cleared” through Customs.  And even though she cleared her first shipment through Australian Customs in 1977, she did not officially enter the industry until after graduating from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.  Ms. Bush became a licensed customs broker while working for Emery Customs Brokers in Seattle.  It wasn’t until she began working at Veritrade International that she found her true passion – giving money back to her clients.

Back to Top

Kim Calicott 

Back to Top

Kim Campbell

Michael Cerny

Michael Cerny is Chief Legal Officer for Charter Brokerage, LLC, a Berkshire Hathaway company providing full-service customs brokerage and specializing in duty drawback.  Charter files more duty drawback than any other company in the United States.  Mr. Cerny is an attorney with almost 40 years of experience in customs and international trade matters, with extensive experience in duty drawback law and practice.  He is admitted to the U.S. Court of International Trade and is a member of the Customs & International Trade Bar Association, and the American Bar Association Section of International Law & Practice.  Mr. Cerny has served on the Executive Committee of the U.S. Customs & Border Protection (“CBP”) Trade Support Network (“TSN”), was selected by CBP to serve as a TSN Trade Ambassador and is a lead for the TSN Drawback Working Group. In addition to his TSN roles, Mr. Cerny serves on the Board of Governors for the American Association of Exporters & Importers and is Co-Chair of AAEI’s Drawback and Duty Deferral Committee.  He also serves as the Chair of the Drawback Committee for the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America.  Mr. Cerny received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University at Albany, where he also played varsity lacrosse for the Albany Great Danes.  He received his J.D. degree from Albany Law School.  Mr. Cerny writes and speaks frequently on customs and trade issues, including drawback.  

Dave Corn 

Back to Top

Ashley Craig 

Ashley Craig, chair of Venable's International Trade Group, advises clients on a wide range of domestic and international regulatory compliance matters. Ashley advises both domestic and international companies on transactional matters and cross-border legal, regulatory, and policy concerns, concentrating on export controls, economic sanctions, technology transfers, customs compliance, and transportation (all modes) regulation. In addition to serving clients before executive branch agencies and congressional committees, he also represents them in shipping- and logistics-related, foreign investment, and economic regulation matters.

Ashley's practice covers all aspects of corporate governance and related compliance, including trade sanctions, export controls, and anti-bribery and corruption standards. With a practical approach to corporate compliance, he recognizes the importance of understanding business priorities while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. Ashley's experience includes matters arising under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and related corruption issues on a global scale and with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). His work entails internal investigations, due diligence activities, opinion requests from federal agencies, voluntary self-disclosures, auditing, and compliance training.

Ashley is well versed in supply chain governance, with an emphasis on transparency, due diligence, and security. He has focused on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and, more recently, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which requires companies to take measures preventing forced labor in supply chains. Ashley's approach leverages a command of the law coupled with practical engagement with the U.S. government agencies enforcing UFLPA.

Ashley regularly assists clients with U.S. export controls and economic sanctions on a proactive basis through internal compliance efforts and before federal agencies, such as the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Justice (DOJ).

He also represents clients before foreign governments and international organizations, such as the European Commission (EC), the UK Parliament and ministries, numerous ministries and offices of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Ashley's relevant legislative experience includes, in part, the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA), the Trade Act of 2002, and numerous miscellaneous trade and tariff bills addressing temporary duty elimination and reduction for U.S. importers, as well as implementation regulations before the competent agencies.

His understanding of the regulatory, legislative, and commercial issues affecting international concerns, such as transport and logistics, translates into practical solutions for those involved with global commerce and trade. Additionally, Ashley is familiar with the various regulatory agencies that oversee trade, transportation, and homeland security issues.

Back to Top

Joshua Craven 

Joshua Craven is a Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with 20+ years’ experience working complex criminal conspiracies. SSA Craven has worked in California, Colombia, Texas, and DEA’s Headquarters in Washington, D.C. While in Colombia, he conducted investigations involving maritime shipping, investigating crimes involving clandestine cargo contaminations. His time in Texas and DEA Headquarters has been comprised of investigations related to the illegal movement of pre-cursor chemicals used in the production of controlled substances.

Back to Top

Jerry Cunningham

Back to Top

Karen Damon

Karen Damon is Vice President, Regulatory Compliance at Mohawk Global Logistics. As a licensed Customs Broker, Certified Customs Specialist and Certified Export Specialist, Karen has extensive experience and knowledge in customs brokerage and regulatory affairs, providing leadership and guidance to enhance operational compliance.

She serves as the Vice President of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarder Association of America and a board member of the Northern Border Customs Broker’s Association.

Back to Top

Jon Daniels 

Dr. Jon Daniels is an Assistant Director with USDA APHIS–Plant Protection and Quarantine, where he leads a team of National Policy Managers responsible for national programs that safeguard U.S. agriculture while supporting efficient, predictable trade, including oversight of imported cargo policy, risk‑based sampling, USDA treatments, wood‑packaging material, and more. As a headquarters liaison to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, he plays a central role in resolving cargo‑related issues, shaping policy direction, and supporting the brokerage and logistics community that manages the vast majority of U.S. import and export entries. A former U.S. Marine Corps infantryman, Jon holds advanced degrees in Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Microbial Forensics, and he applies this expertise to protect the nation’s farms, forests, and supply chains from invasive threats. He lives with his family on a 100‑acre homestead in West Virginia, where he is building a self‑sustaining farm rooted in resilience, stewardship, and community service.

Back to Top

Ralph De La Rosa

Back to Top

Laura DiBella

Back to Top

Kiesha Downs

Kiesha Downs is the Assistant Division Chief for Data User and Respondent Outreach at the U.S. Census Bureau's Economic Management Division. She began her career in the Commodity Analysis Branch processing monthly export data and spent 20 years in the Trade Regulations Branch overseeing regulatory matters, leading the voluntary self-disclosure program, and developing data-sharing agreements with government agencies.

In her current role, Ms. Downs oversees the interpretation and maintenance of the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) and provides expert guidance on the Automated Export System (AES) and export compliance requirements. She manages National Interest Determinations and Memorandums of Understanding, facilitating trade access for entities nationwide. She delivers export compliance training across the country and serves as a key liaison between the trade community and government agencies including Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Industry and Security.

Ms. Downs manages data users and respondents for economic programs and surveys through webinars, newsletters, podcasts, and training sessions. She collaborates with partnership agencies to develop outreach events promoting government resources for businesses.  She is a respected voice in international trade policy, she represents the Census Bureau on Customs and Border Protection's Border Interagency Executive Council (BIEC) and other regulatory advisory groups, addressing regulatory compliance and data sharing initiatives.

Ms. Downs has received multiple Director's Awards for Innovation for her training programs and a team Silver Medal Award for Leadership from the Department of Commerce for developing and implementing the Automated Export System Compliance Review Program. She holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Maryland, College Park, an MBA with a concentration in Management from Strayer University, and an Associate's Citation in Project Management from George Washington University.

Back to Top

Lenny Feldman 

LENNY FELDMAN is a Managing Partner and Operating Committee Member at Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., resident in the firm’s Miami office. He is recognized internationally as a leading strategic advisor, previously co-chairing the twenty-member Customs and Border Protection’s Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee. He provides strategic recommendations and guidance directly to CBP, Homeland Security and Treasury executives on issues such as forced labor, intellectual property rights, e-commerce policy, trade partnership programs and legal/regulatory modernization.

He currently serves as General Counsel and Customs Counsel to the National Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). He also serves on the board of governors of the American Association of Exporters and Importers and as one of their delegates to the World Customs Organization Private Sector Working Group in Brussels. Previously, Lenny served as lead counsel to the Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association and as a former chairman of the World Trade Center of Miami. 

Lenny has counseled thousands of companies in creating “comply chains” while increasing efficiencies and lowering costs. Mr. Feldman innovatively and resourcefully resolves complex issues pertaining to import compliance, valuation, trade preference, country of origin, seizures, penalties, antidumping and countervailing duty, CTPAT/border security, bonded facilities, FTZs and other government agency admissibility and licensing. 

Lenny was a senior attorney with Customs Headquarters in Washington, D.C., from 1991 to 2000. He issued several hundred national guidelines, directives, and administrative rulings and was a NAFTA negotiator. After leaving Customs, Mr. Feldman served as the chief compliance officer and vice president, international, for a trade and logistics software development company responsible for content and automation pertaining to the trade laws of more than 100 countries.

Back to Top

Rob Fickeisen 

Rob Fickeisen is a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist, who works as a Customs Brokerage Compliance Manager with UPS Customs & Trade Compliance.  He has been with UPS for nearly 20 years.  Prior to Compliance, Rob had experience in brokerage on the Northern Border, in air/ocean freight, with small package/express, in client support, and in training.

Rob is a proud and active member of the NCBFAA, serving on the Regulatory Agencies Committee, the CPSC RAC Sub-Committee, the AD/CVD Customs Sub-Committee, and on the Annual Conference Committee.  He also serves on the currently in hiatus TSN eCommerce Committee.

Rob still has two cats, and his favorite color is purple.

Back to Top

Michael Giammanco

Michael Giammanco is Director of Investigations - East (DIB) in the Division of Northern Border Imports (DNBI) under the Office of Import Operations (OIO) in the Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII). In this position he oversees all investigational operations in Illinois, Wisconsin, parts of Indiana and Ohio, upstate New York, Vermont and Maine. He has been in this position since April 2024.  Prior to this, he was a supervisor in DNBI for five years.  Before becoming a supervisor, he spent nine years as a Consumer Safety Officer in Chicago working in the Import Operations Program.  DNBI ports of entry are made up mainly of border stations running along the Canadian border as well as an International Mail Facility.  He has been one of two DIBs overseeing the nationwide FDA ImportShield Program since its implementation in August 2025.  He has a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Eastern Illinois University. 

Back to Top

Grant Goldsmith

Grant Goldsmith is Vice President of Corporate Sales at Avalon Risk Management.  He is a specialist logistics insurance broker for more than 20 years of experience.  His roles have spanned both insurance brokering and acting as a Risk Manager for a large multinational national logistics company.  His work experience includes positions located throughout the world in Asia, Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions.  Grant has several Professional Insurance Designations many of which are specifically focused on logistics.  He is a 1991 Graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and spent over 25 years on both active duty and reserve duty in the United States Army.
Back to Top

Jose D. Gonzalez

Jose D. Gonzalez is a licensed U.S. customs broker who has operated a customs house under the same name since 1994.  He currently serves as the LLUSCBA Customs Committee & Education as well as senior advisor to the board of the LLUSCBA. Prior to his involvement with these Committees, JD was Executive Chairman of the LLUSCBA, president of the Laredo Customs Brokers Association in 2010-2011 whom represents one of the largest concentrations of customs brokers who work closely with CBP.

During his time as chair of these two committees he has been very instrumental in managing the Associations issues to submit to US Customs at our monthly meetings and creating and marketing the education program by developing an educational outreach program that ensures that the Association meets its educational and professional goals. The programs offered by the Association are not only for Customs Brokers and Forwarders but all Trade Stakeholders that are involved in the international supply chain.

Mr. Gonzalez has been and continues to be involved in many trade related as well as civic related organization. A few of the organizations he is involved with are the following:, Present board member of The Airport Advisory Board, past advisory board member of The Laredo Development Foundation past board member of the City of Laredo Blue Ribbon Committee, in addition to being recognized for several accomplishments for Trade related development.

Mr. Gonzalez proudly served in the United States Navy from 1982 until he was honorably discharged in 1992 after being named Sailor of the Year for his command. During his enlistment, he was involved in Mediterranean operations off the coast of Beirut, operations in the North Atlantic, as well as several Western Pacific operations during the Iran Iraq crises. In addition during his enlistment he continued his education and graduated in 1992 from National University in San Diego Ca, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree in Accounting.

Back to Top

Vicente Herrera Gonzalez

Mr. Vicente Herrera Gonzalez is the Manager of Cargo Customs Compliance at American Airlines. He is a seasoned business professional offering twenty-plus years of combined experience in Airport Operations, Logistics, and Customs Service with strong knowledge in Regulatory Compliance at three major U.S. airlines. Mr. Herrera Gonzalez is an accomplished business leader in the planning, implementation, and execution of projects involving electronic Pre-Load and Advance Cargo Information, with and between governments, airlines, ground handlers, and freight forwarders.  He also provides expert support and advice on new regulatory mandates for electronic data interchange.

Mr. Herrera Gonzalez is the current Chair of the Cargo Customs Working Group of Airlines for America (A4A); an appointed Board Member of the IATA Cargo Customs & Cargo Border Management working groups; and a former member of the 16^th term of U.S. Customs Commercial Operations Cargo Advisory Committee (COAC); where represented the air commercial cargo industry and provided recommendations to the U.S. Secretaries of the Treasury and the Department of Homeland Security, regarding enhancements to the commercial operations of CBP.

Back to Top

Judge Leo M. Gordon

Back to Top

Amber Hagewood

Amber is a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist with extensive experience in trade compliance and regulatory affairs. As Senior Manager of Regulatory Compliance at FedEx Logistics, she oversees compliance with U.S. customs laws and regulations, ensuring that policies, practices, and training for FedEx Logistics' brokerage operations meet evolving regulatory requirements and compliance expectations.

Beyond her leadership at FedEx, Amber is actively engaged in the trade community. Amber co-founded and serves as President of the Mid-South Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (MSCBFA) and is an active member of the NCBFAA, where she currently chairs the Automation Sub-Committee under the Customs Committee. She has also contributed to trade policy through service on COAC working groups and working groups within the Trade Support Network.

Back to Top

Karia Herrera

Back to Top

Michael Jackson

MICHAEL JACKSON is a Member with Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., based in the Los Angeles / San Diego area. He advises the import and export community on a wide range of international trade matters, offering strategic guidance to help clients navigate complex U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements and global compliance challenges. He also specializes in assisting with surety bond issues as well as supporting the customs brokerage and forwarding community on errors and omissions and other insurance mechanisms.

Mr. Jackson advises importers on classification, valuation, origin, marking, and recordkeeping and regularly assists clients in responding to CBP-initiated investigations, penalties, and seizures. He has extensive experience helping companies meet the standards of key CBP programs, including the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the Importer Self-Assessment program. His work has taken him throughout North America, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, and Southeast Asia for CTPAT validations and other client engagements.

He has participated in numerous antidumping and countervailing duty investigations conducted by the Department of Commerce and enforced by CBP, employing tools such as scope determinations to help reduce importers’ exposure and liability.

Mr. Jackson also advises exporters on compliance with U.S. export control laws, including with respect to export classification and licensing and economic sanctions, and with the Export Administration Regulations and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Before joining ST&R, Mr. Jackson practiced for more than 20 years with a southern California–based law firm. He holds a B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a J.D. from Whittier Law School. He is admitted to the California bar and the Court of International Trade where he has supported and managed various cases, particularly involving surety bond issues. 

Active in the professional community, Mr. Jackson participates in several regional trade and legal associations, including the Orange County Bar Association – International Law Section (chair-elect), Women In Trade Orange County (advisor), the Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, and the Foreign Trade Association (member of the board).

Back to Top

Thomas Jiang

Back to Top

Donna Kavanaugh

Donna Kavanaugh is a Compliance Manger at A. N. Deringer, Inc., with a focus on U.S. export laws and regulations.  She has been a part of the Deringer team for over 26 years and she is heavily involved in the preparation of export training and risk management programs for Deringer. 

Donna obtained her individual Customhouse broker license in 1996, and she is also a Certified US Export Compliance Officer, Certified Customs Specialist and a Certified Export Specialist.  She is the Chair of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) Export Compliance Subcommittee and actively participates in many working groups on this committee, including being the lead for the Vehicle Export Working Group.  

Back to Top

Patrice Lafayette

Back to Top

Michael Lahar

Back to Top

Sandra Langford-Coty

Sandra (Sandy) Langford-Coty is the Director of Operational Development at A.N. Deringer, Inc. In this position she oversees the corporate audit program and serves as a liaison between systems and operations in implementation of new regulations and process improvements.

Sandy is Chair of the Customs Committee for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). Additionally, she serves the Pacific Coast Council of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association in her role as Chairperson. She is a member of the 17th Term of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) and is active within US Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Support Network. In addition. Sandy also has served as Past President of the Los Angeles Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association (LACBFFA).

In May 2024, Sandy was honored with the Marjorie M. Shostak Distinguished Service Award by the Foreign Trade Association during World Trade Week

Back to Top

Adam Lees

Adam Lees is a Licensed Customs Broker who brings over 30 years of expertise in International Logistics. His career began in 1993 within the finance team of a Swiss freight forwarder, and by 1996 he had passed the broker’s exam. Over the years, Adam has taken on diverse roles such as Import and Branch Manager, District Manager, and US Customs Product Manager at several freight forwarders and customs brokerage firms, working in locations including Hartford, CT, Rochester, NY, Orlando, FL, and JFK.

Today, Adam is the Vice President of Customs Brokerage at Alba Wheels Up, based in Valley Stream, NY. He oversees all Customs Brokerage activities and serves as the main point of contact between the Customs Brokerage division and software vendors.

Adam has designed and introduced numerous Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Best Practices by leveraging his extensive industry experience and close cooperation with CBP and other government bodies. He works collaboratively with all Alba Wheels Up offices and technology partners to devise strategic solutions that boost Customs Compliance and improve transaction efficiency. Additionally, he has been key to integrating newly acquired businesses into the company.

He has contributed questions for the Customs Broker Licensing Exam and holds the Vice Chair position on the Regulatory Agency Committee of the NCBFAA. Adam also participates actively on multiple NCBFAA committees, including the Customs Committee and several sub-committees. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from the University of Vermont.

Back to Top

Jessica Mangubat

Ms. Jessica Mangubat is a Supervisor in the Trade Regulations Branch (TRB) within the Economic Management Division at the U.S. Census Bureau.  Ms. Mangubat joined the U.S. Census Bureau as an analyst in the TRB in 2016.  In her current role as a Supervisor in the TRB, she participates in regulatory writing, answers regulatory questions posed by the trade community, and develops marketing and outreach materials aimed at improving regulatory knowledge of the trade community.  Ms. Mangubat processes and assists staff with Voluntary Self-Disclosures submitted by the trade related to suspected violations of the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) and National Interest Determinations for federal agencies that seek export data from the U.S. Census Bureau.  Ms. Mangubat also processes international trade data agreements between the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies.  Ms. Mangubat participates in conferences and seminars held by the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and trade associations to promote the FTR and electronic filing of export information via the Automated Export System.

Ms. Mangubat earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Towson University and Master of Arts degree in Applied Sociology from University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

Back to Top

Carlos Martinez

Back to Top

Jacob McDowell

Jacob McDowell serves as a National Policy Manager at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), where he helps shape the future of cargo policy at the intersection of global trade and national biosecurity. With nearly two decades of federal service, including key leadership roles at Customs and Border Protection, Jacob has built his career around a simple idea: safeguarding U.S. agriculture shouldn’t come at the cost of slowing commerce, and smart policy can achieve both.

From boots-on-the-ground field operations to headquarters strategy, Jacob has worked side‑by‑side with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and importers to develop solutions that work in the real world. His approach blends science-based decision‑making with a strong commitment to early intervention at origin, proactive stakeholder engagement, and transparent enforcement.

Today, Jacob is a leading voice in strengthening interagency coordination and modernizing information‑sharing so the trade community can act faster, collaborate better, and stay ahead of emerging threats in an increasingly interconnected world. Whether he’s working with industry partners or federal counterparts, he focuses on building practical pathways that protect U.S. agriculture while keeping global supply chains moving.

Back to Top

Donna Mullins

In June 2020, Donna opened the USA offices of Kale Info Solutions, a division of Kale Logistics Solutions based in India.  Kale is a next-gen solutions provider with in-depth domain knowledge and technical expertise.  Kale has created a suite of comprehensive IT enterprise systems, including UPLIFT, our Airport Community System single window platform.  Kale’s community and enterprise solutions cater to a wide network of Logistics Service Providers (LSPs) who have strengthened and improved their operational and business capabilities globally.  

Donna still serves as President and CEO of Mullins International Solutions, LLC and Mullins International Academy.

Prior to starting Mullins International Solutions, a compliance training and consulting firm for the international trade industry, Donna served as Branch Manager for the Atlanta office of CV International.  Prior to joining CVI, Donna was President and CEO of Alpha Sun International an independent freight forwarder and customs broker. She had the company for 7 years before merging. In March 2010, Donna merged her company, Alpha Sun International, Inc in with CVI.

While owning Alpha Sun International, Donna led the group through C-TPAT certification and assisted many customers in obtaining C-TPAT certification.

Donna has served in the international transportation community since 1982, where she began as an importer of wholesale merchandise. Upon leaving the import side of the trade, Donna started her career in the brokerage and transportation arena.

 Donna’s list of nationally recognized service positions is the leading indicator of why MIS is the choice in compliance training.  These affiliations have put her in the position to help set the course of the logistics industry.  Because she is there on a national level communicating the policy changes and working hand in hand with CBP, BIS, FMC, TSA and others, she is well versed in the regulations and the other government agencies that can be involved in what seems like the most straightforward of transactions but in fact is very complicated.

In 1990 she received her US Treasury Customs Brokers License. Donna also holds a Certified Customs Specialist and Certified Export Specialist accreditation from the NCBFAA Educational Institute and is a Certified Logistics Technician by MSSC.   

Ms. Mullins has held various volunteer positions including President and Chair of the AIFBA (Atlanta International Forwarders and Brokers Association); President and Chair of the AACA (Atlanta Air Cargo Association); Board of Director for the AMA (Atlanta Maritime Association); and currently serves as the Air Freight Subcommittee Committee Chair for the NCBFAA Transportation Committee and she was most recently NCBFAA Area 4 Director for eight years. Donna is the current chair for the Airport Congestion Committee and a previous board member of the AfA (Airforwarders Association), the TCA (Transportation Club of Atlanta) and the World Trade Center Atlanta. 

Donna has held an Adjunct Professor position with Clayton State University where she was involved in the Logistics and Supply Chain Management and teaches the ABC’s of Customs Brokerage as well as other international classes and courses.  She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Logistics and Supply Chain Business of Collage at Clayton State University and Atlanta Technical College.

Lori Mullins

Lori Mullins is a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist with over 35 years’ experience in import operations and compliance. As Operations Director at Rogers & Brown Custom Brokers, she oversees multiple import teams and provides compliance consulting and training. Lori currently serves as President of the Houston Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association and Media Chair for the NCBFAA, advocating for the international trade community both locally and in Washington, D.C. A passionate advocate for international trade, Lori is dedicated to supporting the customs brokerage and forwarding community.

Back to Top

Mary Jo Muoio 

Back to Top

Leticia Neris

Diversion Investigator Leticia Neris has been with the Drug Enforcement Administration since 2014. During this time, she has been assigned to offices in Puerto Rico, Texas, and Mexico City where she investigated multiple complex criminal, civil, and administrative cases involving violations against the Controlled Substances Act with a more recent focus on the Chemical Diversion and Trafficking Act, and chemical domestic transshipments via US borders.

Prior to DEA, DI Neris served for 13 years as an Economic Statistician in the Foreign Trade Division of the US Department of Commerce, facilitating trade and export activity in Puerto Rico. DI Neris is also a proud US Navy Veteran.

Back to Top

Ryan Raynak

Ryan Raynak is the Managing Member of HG Enterprises LLC, a boutique Customs Brokerage firm in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that serves hundreds of clients locally, nationally and internationally. 

Ryan completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh and his Masters Degree at Robert Morris University.  He is a licensed Customs Broker, with over 20 years of industry experience in Brokerage/Forwarding and is involved in all facets of day-to-day operations of the business and frequently provides consulting services to his clients on a range of import-related topics.  Ryan is also a member of the NCBFAA Customs Committee, Annual Conference Content Committee and the PSC Sub-Committee.

Back to Top

Katherine Rickerson 

Back to Top

Rich Roche 

Rich Roche has worked in the NVOCC field for the last 32 years in Syracuse NY where he is currently Senior Vice President at Mohawk Global Logistics.  He also supports the forwarding industry nationally through NCBFAA where he is Chairman of the NVOCC sub-committee. He served on three of the FMC’s Innovation Teams covering supply chain and detention & demurrage issues. He previously worked at Hapag-Lloyd, and as a licensed marine cargo insurance broker in Manhattan. Rich is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY where he received a bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science & Marine Transportation and was commissioned in the United States Naval Reserve.  During his seagoing career, Rich sailed as deck officer aboard breakbulk ships, oil tankers, ro/ro’s and containerships, upgrading his license to Chief Mate of vessels any gross tons upon oceans and First Class Pilot on the Upper Bay of NY Harbor. Rich regularly appears as an expert witness in maritime related cases that include cargo claims, documentation, and contract disputes. Rich recently completed a four-year term serving on the National Shippers Advisory Committee to the FMC. Rich has also been admitted as a Non-Attorney Practitioner at the FMC.

Back to Top

Gabriel Rodriguez

Karen Rzeszutko

Karen Rzeszutko is President and Chief Executive Officer of Roanoke Insurance Group. With more than 20 years at Roanoke and 25 years in the insurance industry, she leads with a client-focused, collaborative approach, delivering responsive solutions for the logistics, transportation, and global trade community. Karen sits on the Board of Directors for the United States Council for International Business and was recognized as one of Insurance Business America’s 2026 Elite Women. She is committed to strengthening the organization, advancing industry leadership, and supporting the next generation of professionals.

Back to Top

Kurt Schenkemeyer

Kurt Schenkemeyer is the Director of Systems Operations and Compliance at Argents Express Group. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Kurt brings a comprehensive suite of technical and strategic skills to the leadership team. He oversees export compliance, drives operational efficiencies, and spearheads the development of company policy. In addition to managing complex regulatory requirements, Kurt provides expert consultancy to clients navigating the global trade landscape.

Kurt currently serves as a Director and Chairman of the International Air Cargo Association of Chicago (IACAC). He is an active contributor to various committees within the Chicago Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (CCBFA) and the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). He is also a member of the Airforwarders Association (AFA).

Joanne Slapinski 

Back to Top

Christine Sliwinksi 

Christine Sliwinski is a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist with over 35 years of experience. She serves as the Customs Brokerage Responsible Supervision and Control Manager at Maersk Customs Services USA, Inc., specializing in imports, operational efficiency, trade compliance, and Partner Government Agency (PGA) matters.

Christine is committed to advancing education and professional development within Maersk, mentoring and guiding colleagues through her industry expertise and passion.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to innovation and industry excellence.

Back to Top

Theresa Smedley

Theresa Smedley is the Investigations Branch Director (DIB) in the Division of Northeast Imports (DNEI) under the Office of Import Operations (OIO) in the Office of Inspections and Investigations(OII).  In this position she oversees all investigational operations in DNEI.  She has been in this position since March 2022.  She was involved in the development of and has been one of two DIBs overseeing the nationwide FDA ImportShield Program since its implementation in August 2025.  Prior to this, she was a supervisor in DNEI for ten years.  DNEI is home to one of the busiest ports for FDA regulated goods as well as the busiest International Mail Facility in the country.  Before becoming a supervisor, she spent nine years as a Consumer Safety Officer in Baltimore conducting work mostly in the Import Operations and Food Programs. She has a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Back to Top

Daniel Stevenson

Spencer Strader 

Merit Tremper

Patty Tschaepe

Back to Top

Kevin Valsi 

Kevin Valsi is the Co-Founder and CEO of OpenTrack, the leading end-to-end container visibility software for many of the largest global ocean freight forwarders, NVOCCs, BCOs, drayage and intermodal trucking companies.  Kevin, along with Co-Founder, CTO Martin Hendleman (prev. Co-Founder, Cargomatic) have been building logistics technology together for over a decade.

He holds a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a B.A. from the University of Maryland, where he was awarded the United States Department of Homeland Security Scholarship.

Back to Top

Raul S. Villarreal 

Back to Top

Kimberly Wakeman

Back to Top

Cynthia Whittenburg

Ms. Whittenburg is a committed champion of international trade education and training, currently serving as the Executive Vice President of the NCBFAA Educational Institute whose mission is to provide relevant content via multimedia platforms to equip our nation’s 21st century cross-border, trade-related workforce. She is a civil service and U.S. Army veteran helping American businesses design clear, legally compliant, and socially responsible cross-border trade strategies. In her over 12 years as a Senior Executive and director, she oversaw a complex mission of facilitating lawful trade and exercising trade enforcement to ensure fair and competitive trade. Ms. Whittenburg managed a $300+ million budget leading a highly diverse staff of CBP professionals in pursuing transformative trade policies that promoted economic security and growth for American businesses, along with ensuring only safe and legitimate products entered the U.S. commerce. Over the course of her 32+ year career at U.S. Customs and CBP, she was blessed with being able to share her knowledge in the trade realm, visiting several nations in Central America and Africa. She is a licensed customs broker and is also currently serving as a member of the United States Trade Representative Trade Advisory Committee on Africa. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/Business at Dillard University, holds master’s degrees in both Public Administration from Georgia Southern University, and Legal Studies in International Business Law from the University of Oklahoma. Ms. Whittenburg also completed the Senior Managers in Government course at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She is a recent past president of the Executive Women in Government whose objective is to advocate for the advancement of women in senior leadership positions as well as prepare the up-and-coming tier of women for senior executive roles in the Federal Government.

Back to Top

Melzie Wilson

Melzie Wilson is CEO of The Global Zolutions, a supply chain consultant in Memphis, Tennessee.  With 40 years of experience in the industry, our services offer a wide range of support from imports, exports, warehousing, FTZ, and transportation, especially around those under the FMC.  CargoWise training is also a service that is available for clients as well.

Licensed Customs Broker, a Certified Customs Specialist, and a Certified Export Specialist. 

Active member of the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association:

• Board of Directors – Area 7 Representative
• Member of the NEI Content Committee
• Area 7 Representative of the Transportation Committee
• Former Chair of the Transportation Committee.
• Former Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee
• Former Chair of the Logistics Sub-Committee
• Former Area 7 Representative of the Board of Directors
• Former CESAC Representative under the Customs Committee
• Former Co-Chair of the Annual Conference Committee
• Former Member of Secretary of Commerce’s Advisory Council on Supply Chain Competitiveness
  

Member of International Compliance Professional Association.

Vice President of the Mid-South Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association.

WESCONN Transportation Programming Chair.

Advisor to the Board of the Memphis World Trade Club.

Back to Top

Thayne Worsley

Thayne Worsley is a senior trade compliance and logistics executive with nearly three decades of leadership experience across customs compliance, regulatory strategy, and international logistics. He currently serves as Director, Trade Solutions at Carmichael International Service, where he leads the development and commercialization of customized trade compliance and advisory solutions for multinational customers, overseeing enterprise‑level client relationships.

Throughout his career, Thayne has built and led global trade compliance programs that balance regulatory rigor with commercial growth. Previously, he served as Managing Director of Trade Solutions at FedEx Logistics, Inc., where he partnered with executive leadership to develop a multi-million-dollar organization. His background spans senior roles at FedEx Logistics, Inc., Panalpina, Inc., DHL Global Forwarding, and Exel Global Logistics, with deep expertise in risk management, audit, automation, and regulatory advocacy.

Thayne is known for his ability to translate complex regulatory environments into practical, scalable solutions that improve operational efficiency and customer outcomes. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Certificate in International Relations from the University of Utah, a Master of Jurisprudence from Widener University Delaware Law School, and is a Certified Customs Specialist, and is professionally fluent in Portuguese.

Frederico (Kiko) C. Zuniga

Federico (Kiko) C. Zuniga graduated in 1979 from Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree in Finance. 

Zuniga served as Executive Director of the NCBFAA Educational Institute from 2011 thru 2022, Zuniga served as Chairman of the NCBFAA from March of 2006 thru March of 2010.  He now serves as a Senior Counselor for the Board.  Before his Position as Chairman, Zuniga served the NCBFAA as President from March of 2002 till March 2006. Federico also served as Vice President and Treasurer of the NCBFAA.   

Zuniga is also a past Chairman of IFCBA (The International Federation of Customs Brokers Association) a position he held for four years. 

Federico Zuniga served on the Department of Homeland Security COAC Committee, which has oversight on matters of International trade from 2004 thru 2008.

During the 2023 NCBFAA Annual Conference, Zuniga received the coveted Centurion Award in recognition of his years of service to NCBFAA.

Back to Top