Board of Directors

Brian Barber, a licensed U.S. customs broker, serves as Vice President, U.S. Brokerage Operations and Government Affairs at Willson International Inc. With over 22 years’ experience Brian, based in Tonawanda, NY is a qualifying officer supporting the corporate license and national permit. He ensures compliance and safeguarding of all aspects of corporate compliance. As part of a medium sized Canada-U.S. brokerage and logistics company, Brian has unique insight into trade issues in many sectors, particularly trade with Canada at northern border ports of entry.

In addition to overseeing compliance, and formal reviews including CBP Regulatory Audit inquiries, CTPAT, and FDA filer evaluations, Brian is also responsible for operational efficiency, and ensuring the highest possible standard of staff training and development. He has played a key role in partnering with software providers, to meet regulatory requirements, while also leading the company in development, and implementation of technological solutions to improve operational efficiency for both Willson International and their customers.

Brian spent a year with the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) in Washington, D.C. overseeing industry specific education.  He remains active in leadership roles within various trade associations.   

Karen Damon is Director, Regulatory Affairs at Livingston International, Inc. 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 is a board member and President of the Northern Border Customs Broker’s Association and the Area 1 representative for the NCBFAA board of directors. Karen is also the vice chair of the NCBFAA Regulatory Agency Committee (RAC).  

Mr. Corn was selected to take an active role for the trade in the Trade Support Network’s Drawback Working Group, leading efforts to write new regulations for drawback through the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 and to support the development and transition of drawback to the Automated Commercial Environment. David currently serves as the co-chair for AAEI’s Drawback and Duty Deferral Committee, as the vice chair for the NCBFAA’s Drawback Subcommittee, and he represents the New York/New Jersey region as a member of the board to the NCBFAA. In January 2022, Mr. Corn was appointed to the 16th term of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC).

David actively discusses drawback with congressional representatives from NJ and NY, and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office. Mr. Corn is a frequent speaker on duty drawback in venues across the country each year.

David has a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University in Consumer Affairs and is both a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist.

Tom has over 35 years of experience in the logistics industry, including ten years with Alba Wheels Up in Executive Operations positions. Mr. Marzano is a Licensed Customhouse Broker and a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS), he is currently President of the JFK Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association and is a Board Member of the NCBFAA. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St. John’s University.

Michelle Francis is a licensed Customs Broker and Vice President of Magic Custom Brokers Inc, in Canton MA.  Magic Custom Brokers Inc is a family-owned business started in 1984 by her father-in-law. The company is now run by Michelle, her husband Kevin, brother-in-law Will and her son Owen. She is a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) with the NCBFAA. Michelle is currently the President of the Boston Custom Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association (BCBFFA), NCBFAA Membership Committee Chair, and a member of the NCBFAA Customs Committee. She also served as Chair of the NCBFAA Affiliated Presidents Network. Michelle has BS from the Isenberg School of Management, University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Ralph De La Rosa is currently serves on the board of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) and was recently named as the Vice Chair of the NCBFAA Customs Committee as well as chair of the NCBFAA Trade Interruption and Resumption Subcommittee. He is also Vice President and Customs Committee Chair of the Florida Customs Broker and Forwarder Association (FCBF). He has been a Board member of FCBF since 2018. Additionally, he serves as President and CEO of Imperial Freight Brokers, a full-service supply chain, logistics, customs brokerage, and transportation firm based in South Florida that has been serving the global marketplace for the past 52 years. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Florida International University and is a licensed customs broker.

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 broad 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.  

Scott Larson began his career in international logistics in 1987 as an IBM computer mainframe support technician, RPG-II and Cobol programmer. Scott obtained his Customs Brokers License in 1991 and currently holds the position of Senior Vice President and Corporate Compliance Manager for MOL logistics (USA) Inc. He is responsible for all facets of import and export activity for MOL's U.S. and Canadian offices.

He has served the NCBFAA as Area 5 representative, Affiliated President's Network Committee Chairman, and Customs committee representative and Treasurer.  NEI Customs Certified Specialist (CCS), and Certified Export Specialist (CES).  Past President of the Chicago Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association; and former director of the International Air Cargo Association of Chicago.   

Monica joined C. H. Robinson in 1998 and became a Licensed Customs House Broker in 2001.  Monica is Manager of U.S. Customs at C. H. Robinson where she works with our network building compliance solutions for clients.  She has been an active participant in the local Detroit Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association (DCBFA) serving as an officer for many years and President for the past two years.  Monica is also a Board Member and serves as the Customs Committee Co-Chair for the Northern Border Customs Brokers Association (NBCBA) and is a Board Member for the NCBFAA – Area 5 and member of the Legislative Committee. Monica has consulted clients on a number of import compliance matters including tariff classification, bond sufficiency and valuation matters to name a few. Monica is located in the Southfield, MI, Detroit Global Forwarding office.                 

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. 

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.

Lori Azzopardi has more than a decade of experience in customs brokerage.  She completed the International Logistics program at Skyline College in 2010 and passed the Customs Broker Exam in October 2016. She worked at Thornley and Pitt from 2009 to 2018 as Air and Ocean Coordinator. In September 2018, Azzopardi joined EFI Logistics, Inc.,  as an Import Analyst, handling air, ocean, rail and truck crossings. She also files ISF and works with other government agencies as import entries require. In addition, she is involved with the Customs and Airport committees of the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of Northern California (CBFANC).

Melzie Wilson was appointed Vice President of Global Operations at Dunavant in Memphis, Tennessee, in July 2021. Prior to that, she was Senior Manager of Managed Account Services for FedEx Trade Networks Transportation and Brokerage for Memphis and Detroit.

• Licensed Customs Broker, a Certified Customs Specialist, and a Certified Export Specialist. 
• Active member of the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association:
• 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
• Serves on the Secretary of Commerce Advisory Council on Supply Chain Competiveness

Melzie is an avid fan of sports and especially the New Orleans Saints.

Melzie still finds time to volunteer with the Hogs for the Cause Organization out of New Orleans. It is a unique barbeque competition where money is raised to assist families with children who have brain cancer.   She is also a contest representative of the barbecue sanctioned organization, Memphis Barbecue Network.

Jaynette (Jay Jay) Kettler has over three decades of experience in managing critical import and export processes and controls for a wide array of global clients.   Her skills include the establishment of Key Performance Indicators to assure customer satisfaction and compliance with all import/export rules and regulations.

Her industry experience includes service to projects in wind and petroleum energy, and manufacturing plants and production equipment ranging from steel and wind energy, to galvanizing lines and chemical facilities.

She was also part of the UTC team handling logistics relating to the construction and installation of the Williams Project – a massive offshore FPS in the Gulf of Mexico. UTC has handled logistics for all elements of the project from materials and equipment to delivery of sub sections of the platform and tower (units of up to 200 tons) to final assembly locations in Texas and Louisiana.

Ms. Kettler’s duties on the project have included import documentation management for all globally sourced materials and equipment shipped to U.S. sub-contractors across the USA including Puerto Rico and Alaska.   She has also met with U.S. Customs office staff to assure compliance with clearance requirements on final shipments delivered to offshore platforms. Timely completion of documentation is a critical element of the project’s success, given customer requirements for critical-path construction timetables.

Ms. Kettler is active in many associations and is the current Area 7 Director for the National Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association www.ncbfaa.org, along with the Vice President of the local Houston Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association.  She also supports US Customs participating in the Trade Support Network. 

U.S. License Customs Broker
Certified Customs Specialist
Graduate from Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Science in Applied Management

Eduardo E Lozano is the CEO and President of Eduardo E Lozano & Co Inc dba EELCO with offices in Laredo, Miami and Mexico.

Eduardo opened his first FTZ warehouse in 1994 and obtain his US Customs Brokerage license in 1997. With over 33 years of experience in the customs brokerage he has contributed to the international community by teaching, mentoring, and mentoring new graduates from the university (TAMIU) and Laredo College.

Currently Eduardo is actively involved with the Local and national customs brokers association. Here are the most recent participations: 

2017-2023 Subcommittee member of the Automation committee for the NCBFAA
2018-2019 Board Member of Laredo License Customs Broker Association
2022-2023 Board Member of Laredo License Customs Broker Association
2022-Present Education Committee at Florida Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association
2022-Present Membership Chair LLUSCBA
2023-Present Area 8 Nominations committee at NCBFAA
2023-Present Area 8 Board
2024-Present LLUSCBA Board Member

Eduardo Acosta is currently the Vice President of RL Jones Customhouse Brokers, with offices in 8 southern border cities and Los Angeles. He has been a partner since 1996.  Eduardo started his brokerage career in San Diego/Otay Mesa in 1990.  He got his Brokers license in 1997.

He is Chair for the NCBFAA’s Government Affairs Conference, as well as its Area 8 representative.  He is also Chair for the Pacific Coast Council (PCC), as well as board member (and past president) of Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Border Trade Alliance, Border Philanthropy Partnership and Smart Border Coalition.  He is also an active member of the SD Brokers Association, Tijuana Development Corporation (DEITAC), and Tijuana Maquiladora Association (Index).  

Eduardo is a graduate of the University of Arizona and is married (Anna) and has 3 children (Eduardo, Anna Lucia, and Maria Ines). 

Maurine has been working in international business for over 40 years.   She is a licensed Custom Broker and the Regional Compliance Director of Western Overseas Corporation, a national Customs Broker and International freight forwarder. Maurine obtained her Customs Brokers License in 1991, she is currently a Certified Customs Specialist as well as Certified Export Specialist..

Maurine is a past President of the Los Angeles Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Assoc.   Other association experience includes a chair position on the Pacific Coast Council; including WESCCON chair, as well as representing the LACBFFA on the steering committee for Cal State Long Beach’s Center for International Trade and Transportation and as a past instructor of their training classes.   Maurine has also held chair positions for Women in International Trade-L.A and was a past NCBFAA NVOCC Committee Chair. 

Patty Tschaepe is the Chief Compliance Officer for J&K Fresh, LLC a customs brokerage firm specializing in the clearance of fresh produce. In her capacity she helps develop programs and business strategies to strengthen and support the compliance integrity of the J&K Fresh team and the clients they represent.

Patty currently serves as the Vice President and Seaport Chair for the Los Angeles Customs Broker and Freight Forwarders Association and is also the local Los Angeles Area Representative for the National Customs Broker and Forwarders Association of America.

Residing in San Pedro, California Patty enjoys the views of the Los Angeles Port and is reminded every morning of the importance the of the industry she is a part of. She is a licensed broker and holds an Associate Degree in Merchandise Marketing from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles.

Lenny Feldman, Esq. is a Senior Member of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. where he serves on the Firm's Operating Committee. He serves as both general and customs counsel to NCBFAA.

Lenny formerly co-chaired the 15th Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) and previously served as the Co-Chair of the 14th COAC's Trade Modernization Subcommittee. He has led COAC working groups including: Ecommerce/Section 321, Broker Regulatory Reform, Regulatory Modernization, Centers of Excellence & Expertise Uniformity and International Engagement & Trade Facilitation.

Lenny innovatively and efficiently advises customs brokers, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and carriers to develop and adopt best practices and compliance programs in the import and export context. Prior to joining the Firm, Lenny served nine years as a senior attorney with U.S. Customs & Border Protection (formerly the U.S. Customs Service) responsible for issuing national rulings, decisions and directives relating to import and export compliance and enforcement.

He also formerly served as the Chief Compliance Officer of a software development company created to automate global import and export regulatory requirements. Lenny has been recognized for his efforts by numerous trade publications and associations such as the Florida Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association and World Trade Center Miami over the years. By serving on local and national boards and taskforces he passionately advocates for laws, policies and strategies that increase two-way trade and stimulate international business.

Ashley Craig was appointed NCBFAA Transportation Counsel on October 1, 2021.

Craig is co-chair of Venable’s International Trade Group, where he maintains a diverse practice advising industry clients on domestic and international regulatory compliance concerns. He regularly appears on behalf of clients before executive branch agencies and congressional committees with oversight of global commercial matters, foreign investment, transport/logistics, and economic regulation.

As an attorney, Craig has worked on transportation and logistics regulatory and legislative matters for more than two decades. His legislative experience includes, in part, the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the Trade Act of 2002, and numerous miscellaneous trade and tariff bills, as well as implementation of regulations before federal agencies.

Nicole Bivens Collinson was appointed NCBFAA Legislative Counsel on October 15, 2021.

Collinson leads the International Trade and Government Relations Practice of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., in Washington, D.C., and serves as managing principal of the Washington, D.C., office. She is also a member of ST&R's Operating Committee and a commentator on trade matters on MSNBC and NPR.

Collinson has over 30 years of experience in government, public affairs, and lobbying. She has drafted and guided the successful implementation of several pieces of key international trade legislation positively affecting the bottom line of many U.S. companies. 

Collinson is a well-known international trade authority in Washington, regularly called upon by members of Congress and the Administration to help explain complex trade programs. Her decades of work with the House Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security committees and the Senate Finance; Commerce, Science and Transportation; Foreign Relations; and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees has established deep and lasting relations with members of Congress and their staffs.

Prior to joining Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, Collinson served as assistant chief negotiator for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, responsible for the negotiation of bilateral agreements with Latin America, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, the Sub-Continent and Africa. She also served as a country specialist in the International Trade Administration at the Department of Commerce, where she was responsible for the preparation of negotiations on specific topics between the U.S. and Latin America, Eastern Europe, China, and Hong Kong, as well as the administration of complex textile agreements.

Cindy Thomas became the NCBFAA Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) Counsel in January 2020.

After many years of working with NCBFAA as part of the Kent & O’Connor Washington Representative team led by Jon Kent, Thomas brought to this position an in-depth knowledge of Partner Government Agencies (PGAs) policy and operational matters, as well as their impact on customs brokers and freight forwarders.

As RAC Counsel, Thomas has worked with RAC leaders to energize and expand the Committee’s work, ensuring a coordinated and cohesive strategy for effectively engaging PGAs. With her guidance and expertise, the RAC has developed innovative resources for NCBFAA members, such as the Organics Toolkit to assist members with the challenging rollout of the USDA's National Organic Program electronic Import Certificate and a PGA Matrix to provide a top-down overview of all the PGAs, including links to useful materials. With unprecedented outreach to agency policymakers, the RAC continues to shape policy and operational implementation that improves our nation’s import processes.

Senior Counselors
 

NCBFAA greatly values the longevity of our leadership.  After a past president completes their Chairman of the Board duties, they transition to the role of Sr. Counselor.  Sr. Counselor’s are all of our living past presidents and each have a permanent non-voting place on the board.  They gather in conjunction with our Board meetings to discuss issues facing the association and provide counsel to the current sitting President.

Amy Magnus, Director of Customs Affairs and Compliance for A.N. Deringer, Inc., in Champlain, NY, is a licensed Customs Broker, Certified Customs Specialist, and Certified Export Specialist. She also serves on COAC’s 14th term and is the former NCBFAA Vice President and Secretary as well as former President of the Northern Border Customs Brokers Association in addition to being an ACE Trade Ambassador working with the Trade Support Network.

Prior to becoming a Customs Broker, Ms. Magnus worked for U.S. Customs Service for 18 years. When she left Customs, she was the Trade Manager in the Champlain NY Area Service Port. During her career, she worked with various Customs HQ Offices in Washington, DC assisting in drafting policies and procedures as they related to NAFTA, Compliance Measurement, Enforcement and other trade sensitive issues. Ms. Magnus is a former Fines, Penalties, and Forfeiture Officer, and in her early years with U.S. Customs served as an inspector and import specialist.

Ms. Magnus has a BA and an advanced teaching degree from the University of Vermont.

Geoffrey Powell is currently President of C.H. Powell Company.  C.H. Powell Company was established by Geoffrey’s grandfather, Charles, in 1919.  C.H. Powell Company is an International Logistics Provider, Freight Forwarder and Customs Broker that is family owned and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with 18 offices throughout the United States.        

After graduating from Georgetown University in 1983 with a B.A. in economics, Mr. Powell went to work in sales for C.H. Powell Company.  Mr. Powell received his Customs Brokers license in 1989, shortly after re-locating to Baltimore from the Boston office.  In 1997, Mr. Powell became a Certified Ocean Forwarder after passing an 8 hour examination given by the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America on all facets of international trade.

In January 2007, Mr. Powell was appointed to serve four years on the Departmental Advisory Committee on the Commercial Operations of Customs and Border Protection and Related Functions (COAC).  Committee members are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Homeland Security. In August, 2013, Mr. Powell was appointed to the President’s Export Council, Subcommittee on Export Administration, which advises and reports to the Secretary of Commerce on matters pertinent to the Export Administration Act, the Export Administration Regulations, and related statutes and regulations.

Mr. Powell is a past President of the Baltimore Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association.  In 2001, he formed, and is the previous Chairman of the Affiliated President’s Network, a group that comprises all the presidents of 31 local Broker Associations throughout the country.  After holding various positions in the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Mr. Powell became NCBFAA Chairman of the Board after expiration of his term as NCBFAA President in May 2018 and a Senior Conselor in May 2020.

Mr. Powell currently lives in Baltimore with his wife and three sons.

Jeff Coppersmith is President of Coppersmith Global Logistics. Jeff has been active in NCBFAA as an area director, Freight Forwarding Chair, Annual Conference Chairman, Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Chairman.  Jeff also served on the Board of the Los Angeles Brokers Association, Chairman of the Los Angeles World Trade Week, and also served as Chairman of the Pacific Coast Council.Coppersmith Inc. is celebrating 60 years in business. 

Started by his grandmother Adrienne, Jeff and his brother Bud are the third generation in the family business. Coppersmith has acquired several companies in the last few years and now offers complete Global Logistics.  Coppersmith has 11 offices throughout the United States and prides itself on the ability to give personal service with big time technology. Jeff who received his brokers License in 1985 and has been President of Coppersmith since 2002, is married to Roberta and they have two grown sons.

Mary Jo Muoio is Sr. Vice President, Trade Services, Geodis USA. Before assuming leadership of the consulting division, Mary Jo was a Senior Vice-President of Barthco International, Inc., a leading customs broker and forwarder. Ms. Muoio has been with Geodis for more than 30 years. She is a licensed customs broker, having passed the exam with the highest score in the nation. 

She currently serves as NCBFAA Customs Committee Chair following her two terms as President and NCBFAA Chair. Before being elected as the first female president of this influential association, she served as Vice President, Secretary and on the Board of Directors and various key Association committees. She served as a Director to the International Federation of Customs Brokers. Ms. Muoio served as Vice President for Imports of the New York/New Jersey Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association for many years, resigning to focus her energies on the national level. She continues to serve on the Board of Governors. She is a Past President of the Philadelphia Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association, Inc. She concluded two terms of service on the Customs Operations Advisory Council (COAC), and continues to serve on the 321 Subcommittee of the eCommerce working group. 

She currently serves on the TSN Entry, Legal Policy and International Trade Data Systems committees. She concluded two terms on the Board of the Maritime Association of the Port of NY NJ and is on the Board of Directors and Industry Leadership Council for the American Association of Exporters and Importers. She lectures frequently here and abroad on U.S. import requirements.

Before joining Geodis she taught at the college level in Japan. She continues to pursue studies in the Japanese language. Ms. Muoio is a graduate of Saint Joseph’s University with a degree in International Relations.

Federico (Kiko) C. Zuniga graduated in 1979 from Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration Degree in Finance.  After college, he worked at the Union National Bank of Laredo as a Bank Loan Officer in the International Department.  In 1983 he joined his father and brother in F. Zuniga Inc. CHB and became a licensed broker and one third partner in 1984, He is currently a 50% owner of F. Zuniga Inc., He is also a 50% partner in Diamond Distribution Center in Laredo, Texas.

Currently Federico Zuniga is the Director of the Educational Institute at the NCBFAA (The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America).  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 participated on many committees within the organization such as, the Customs Committee (as a member, as well as Chair), Audit and Conference Committees.  He has also chaired the NCBFAA PAC. 

Zuniga is also a past Chairman of IFCBA (The International Federation of Customs Brokers Association).  Prior to serving as Chairman of IFCBA, Federico served as a Managing Director for four years.   

Prior to his involvement with the NCBFAA, Zuniga was the President of the Laredo Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association.  He was also instrumental in the addition of a new region within the NCBFAA organization (region 8 encompassing the southern border of the United States) at which time he began his service on the Board of Directors of the NCBFAA. 

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

In addition to his role with F. Zuniga Inc., The Laredo Brokers and Forwarders Association, NCBFAA, and IFCBA Federico Zuniga 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: 

• Past board member of The Laredo Development Foundation.
• Present board member of The Boys & Girls Club of Laredo.  
• National Advisory Board member of BBVA Compass (Banco Bilboa Vizcaya Argentaria)/Compass.  A bank with US$69 billion in assets and primarily located in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas

Arthur Litman is a licensed customs broker. In 1998 Mr. Litman retired from FedEx Trade Networks, where he served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance. He started with Castelazo & Associates in 1964 and rose to become President of the company. Castelazo & Associates was acquired in 1991 by Tower Group and later by FedEx.

Active in trade associations. He is a past president of the International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations, the NCBFAA, and the Foreign Trade Association of Southern California. He served on the board of the American Association of Exporters and Importers for 17 years.

Appointed to the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) when it was chartered in 1988, Mr. Litman has served six two-year terms. While a member of COAC, Mr. Litman was a leader in efforts to move to a monthly payment process for duties and taxes, and during the 9/11 term was active developing C-TPAT and other security measures.

Mr. Litman is an ACE Trade Ambassador and for 10 years was co-chair of the Trade Support Network Entry Committee. Mr. Litman represented FedEx on the World Customs Organization’s Private Sector Consultative Group in Brussels, working on the WCO’s SAFE Framework of Standards.He is a recipient of the Stanley T. Olafson Bronze Plaque Award, the first NCBFAA Centurion Award, the AAEI Trade Warrior Award, CBP’s ACE Award and the Commissioner of Customs Award of Recognition.

Mr. Litman is an attorney admitted to practice in the State of California. He can be reached at (310) 838-4205 or via e-mail at litman@customsadvice.com Arthur Litman is a licensed customs broker. In 1998 Mr. Litman retired from FedEx Trade Networks, where he served as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance. He started with Castelazo & Associates in 1964 and rose to become President of the company. Castelazo & Associates was acquired in 1991 by Tower Group and later by FedEx.Active in trade associations, Mr. Litman is currently a Senior Counselor of the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America. He is a past president of the International

Federation of Customs Brokers Associations, the NCBFAA, and the Foreign Trade Association of Southern California. He served on the board of the American Association of Exporters and Importers for 17 years.

Appointed to the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) when it was chartered in 1988, Mr. Litman has served six two-year terms. While a member of COAC, Mr. Litman was a leader in efforts to move to a monthly payment process for duties and taxes, and during the 9/11 term was active developing C-TPAT and other security measures.

Mr. Litman is an ACE Trade Ambassador and for 10 years was co-chair of the Trade Support Network Entry Committee. Mr. Litman represented FedEx on the World Customs Organization’s Private Sector Consultative Group in Brussels, working on the WCO’s SAFE Framework of Standards.

He is a recipient of the Stanley T. Olafson Bronze Plaque Award, the first NCBFAA Centurion Award, the AAEI Trade Warrior Award, CBP’s ACE Award and the Commissioner of Customs Award of Recognition.

Mr. Litman is a licensed customs broker and an attorney admitted to practice in the State of California.

William J. St. John, Jr. is President of W.R. Zanes & Co. of LA., Inc. a Customs Brokerage and Freight Forwarding firm which has been active in international trade over 95 years.

Mr. St. John has been personally involved in Customs Brokerage and International Freight Forwarding for over 50 years.  He was licensed as a customhouse broker on November 8, 1955 and practices in the New Orleans District.

Mr. St. John, a native New Orleanean, attended parochial schools in the City of New Orleans.  His professional and civic achievements are numerous.  Mr. St. John is a past President of the New Orleans Association of Customhouse Brokers, Inc (1973-75) and of the New Orleans Traffic and Transportation Bureau (1979-81).  He also served as the first President of the newly organized Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans, Inc. (1975-77).

In addition, Mr. St. John has a long-standing relationship with the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc., in which he held many prestigious positions, including New Orleans Area Representative on the National Advisory Committee (1962, 1971-77) and Area Vice-President for the Gulf Region (1972-75).  Mr. St. John also served as the Secretary for the Association (1976-78), the Vice-President (1979-1982), President (1982-1986) and Chairman of the Board (1987-1990).  Presently, he is a Senior Counselor on the Board of Directors.