Saturday, September 21

1:00-4:30PM | NEI Committee Meeting 

Columbia A

4:30-5:30PM | Legislative Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members) 

Columbia A

5:30-8:00PM | APN Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members) 

Regency CD

Sunday, September 22

9:00-11:30AM | Transportation Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Regency CD

11:30AM-2:00PM | Customs Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Regency CD

2:00-5:00PM | Board of Directors Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Regency CD

3:00-5:30PM | NCBFAA Registration Desk Opens

Hall of Battles

6:00-7:00PM | Opening Reception (For All Attendees)

Thornton - 11^th Floor

Monday, September 23

8:00-8:45AM | Breakfast on Your Own

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8:00AM-5:00PM | NCBFAA Registration Desk Opens

Hall of Battles

8:45-9:00AM | Call to Order & Welcoming Remarks

Regency CD

• Jose D Gonzalez, NCBFAA President; President, Jose D. Gonzalez CHB
• Eduardo (Lalo) Acosta, NCBFAA GAC Chair; Vice President, Richard L. Jones Customhouse Brokers

9:00-9:15AM | Preparation for Hill Visits / Discussion of Issues from Congressional Meetings

Regency CD

Looking for last-minute tips to get ready for your Day on the Hill? Join us for some practical advice on making the most of your time with Congressional representatives and Senators. Ensure your voice is heard and your day is a success!

• Leah Ellis, NCBFAA Legislative Committee Chair; Compliance Operations Manager, JAS

Moderator: Nicole Bivens Collinson, NCBFAA Legislative Advisor; Managing Principal, Operating Committee, International Trade & Government Relations Practice Leader, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

9:15-10:00AM | Air Cargo in Focus: TSA’s Latest Developments

Regency CD

A TSA representative will provide updates on recent changes and how TSA and Indirect Air Carriers (IACs) can ensure that the industry remains secure and efficient in a rapidly changing world.

• Marc Rossi, Industry Engagement Manager, Air Cargo Division, Policy, Plans and Engagement, Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Moderator: Donna Mullins, NCBFAA Transportation Committee Member; President, Mullins International Solutions; Vice President, Kale Info Solutions Inc.

10:00-10:15AM | Break

Hall of Battles

10:15-11:15AM | Duties, De Minimis & Deference – An Update on the Most Provocative Customs Issues

Regency CD

AD/CVD as well as 301/232/201 continue to raise policy and entry questions warranting clarification on multiple fronts. Meanwhile, brokers are growing increasingly concerned with expectations in filing de minimis with limited data from unreliable parties.  And now that the Supreme Court has overturned Chevron deference, are any court decisions ripe for change? NCBFAA leadership along with CBP officials discuss how we innovatively are exploring and addressing these issues.

• Karen Damon, NCBFAA Treasurer; Vice President, Regulatory Compliance, Mohawk Global Logistics
• Lenny Feldman, NCBFAA General Counsel & Customs Counsel; Managing Partner, Operating Committee, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
• Alexander Amdur, Director, AD/CVD Policy and Programs Division, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

Moderators:

• Sandra Langford-Coty, NCBFAA Customs Committee Chair; Director of Operational Development, A.N. Deringer
• Ralph De La Rosa, NCBFAA Customs Committee Vice Chair; President, Imperial Freight Brokers, Inc.

11:15AM-12:00PM | Legislative Committee Session

Regency CD

Curious about the hot topics for this year's GAC and how to gain Congressional support for our white papers? Join us as we review key talking points, position papers, and provide answers to all your questions. We’ll review some of the meetings scheduled by the APNs and equip you with the knowledge and confidence to effectively engage with your Congressional representatives and Senators.

• Nicole Bivens Collinson, NCBFAA Legislative Advisor; Managing Principal, Operating Committee, International Trade & Government Relations Practice Leader, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

Moderator: Leah Ellis, NCBFAA Legislative Committee Chair; Compliance Operations Manager, JAS

12:00-1:15PM | Lunch with Keynote Speaker - Brandon Lord

Capitol AB

• Brandon Lord, Executive Director of Trade Policy and Programs, Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Introduced By: Jose D Gonzalez, NCBFAA President; President, Jose D. Gonzalez CHB

1:15-1:30PM | Transition Break

PAC raffle and announcements.

• Jenette Prince, NCBFAA PAC Chair; National Trade Control Manager, Kuehne + Nagel Inc.

1:30-2:30PM | FMC Insights from Commissioner Bentzel

Regency CD

This session will explore the latest developments in the maritime industry, including regulatory updates, industry challenges, and emerging trends.

• Carl Bentzel, Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission

Moderator: Ashley Craig, NCBFAA Transportation Counsel; Co-Chair, International Trade and Logistics Group, Venable LLP

2:30-3:05PM |  Get Ready: CPSC Electronic Certificates for Imports are Coming

Regency CD

It has been a long time coming, but the Consumer Product Safety Commission is now poised to begin mandatory filing of electronic certificates (as early as mid-to-late 2025) for imported consumer products after a lengthy process of engaging with the trade. An expanded pilot is now underway for importers and brokers to participate voluntarily. Discover what's ahead as CPSC's Sabrina Keller walks you through the details and answers your questions. 

• Sabrina Keller, Deputy Director, Office of Import Surveillance, Consumer Product Safety Commission

Moderators:

• Adam Lees, NCBFAA Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) Vice Chair; VP of Customs Brokerage, Alba Wheels Up International, Inc.
• Mike Lahar, NCBFAA Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) Chair; Manager Regulatory Affairs, A.N. Deringer, Inc.

3:05-3:45PM | Organic Enforcement Just Got Real

Regency CD

Six months after the USDA National Organics Program launched the electronic Import Certificate, the agency begins "hard" enforcement on September 19. Learn firsthand what this means for brokers as Dr. Jenny Tucker shares her insights on the challenges and successes of these first six months and offers tips for brokers going forward. 

• Dr. Jennifer Tucker, Deputy Director, National Organics Program, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture
• Jonathan Veley, Director, International Trade Activities, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture

Moderators:

• Mike Lahar, NCBFAA Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) Chair; Manager Regulatory Affairs, A.N. Deringer, Inc.
• Monica DeMars, NCBFAA Area 5 Board Representative; Senior Manager Compliance, C.H. Robinson International, Inc.

3:45-4:00PM | Drawback Legislation…Again?

Regency CD

Believe it or not, the trade and CBP are looking to streamline and correct some of the aspects of drawback that didn’t make it through when TFTEA was introduced. The NCBFAA Drawback Committee leads will discuss the trade facilitation bill from Senator Cassidy and H.R. 7864 and what that means for drawback claimants and brokers. 

• Dave Corn, NCBFAA Area 2 Board Representative; Executive Vice President, Comstock C.J. Holt
• Michael Cerny, NCBFAA Drawback Committee Chair; Chief Legal Officer, Charter Brokerage LLC

4:00-5:00PM | Election Talk with Jessica Taylor

Regency CD

What are the predictions for the 2024 Elections? The NCBFAA PAC is pleased to sponsor Jessica Taylor from the Cook Report, who will share their predictions on the outcome of the elections. She will discuss the House, the Senate, and the Presidential race. This session is a must attend event.

Stay informed on the political landscape and what it could mean for our future!

• Jessica Taylor, U.S. Senate & Governors Editor, The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter
  

5:00-5:15PM | Closing Announcements

Regency CD

• Eduardo (Lalo) Acosta, NCBFAA GAC Chair; Vice President, Richard L. Jones Customhouse Brokers, Inc.

5:15-7:00PM | Drawback Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol A

5:30PM | Dinner on Your Own

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Tuesday, September 24

7:30-9:00AM | Breakfast

Capitol AB

8:15-8:45AM | Breakfast Keynote Speaker - Jon Gold

Capitol AB

• Jon Gold, Vice President, Supply Chain and Customs Policy, National Retail Federation

Introduced By:  Jose D Gonzalez, NCBFAA President; President, Jose D. Gonzalez CHB

9:30AM-5:00PM | Congressional Appointments on Capitol Hill

Capitol Hill

5:00-7:00PM | Congressional Reception

Rayburn House Office Building - Foyer

Wednesday, September 25

8:00-9:30AM | RAC Meeting with PGAs (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol AB

9:45AM-5:00PM | Customs Committee Meeting with CBP (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol AB

12:00-12:30PM | Lunch

Speaker/Moderator Bios
 

Eduardo Acosta

Eduardo Acosta is currently the President of the Pacific Coast Council (PCC) of Customs brokers. He is also the Vice President of R.L. 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 also served as president of Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce for 4 years.  He is an active board member of the SD Brokers Association, Tijuana Development Corporation (DEITAC), Tijuana Maquiladora Association (Index), Border Trade Alliance (BTA) and Smart Border Coalition. 

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

Nicole Bivens Collinson

Nicole Bivens Collinson leads the International Trade and Government relations practice of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., and serves as managing principal of the Washington, D.C. office.  She is also a member of the Firm's Operating Committee. Ms. Collinson has appeared on MSNBC, NPR and BBC Worldwide as a subject matter expert and has over 35 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.  She is the lead professional on ST&R's engagement as Legislative Advisor to the National Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA).

Dave Corn

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 vice chair for the NCBFAA’s Drawback Subcommittee, as the co-chair for AAEI’s Drawback and Duty Deferral Committee, 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 16^th term of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC). In January 2024 he was reappointed to serve on the 17^th term of COAC where he was selected by CBP and his peers to be the COAC Trade lead.

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.

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 treasurer of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarder Association of America and a board member of the Northern Border Customs Broker’s Association.

Leah Ellis

Leah Ellis began her carrier in the forwarding industry in 1990. She has worked for various forwarders and Maersk Line and passed the brokers exam in 2008. Leah joined JAS Forwarding USA Inc in 2008 as the Import Manager. In 2009 she started working part time with the JAS Corporate Compliance team and full time 2011. She also holds the NCBFFA CCS and CES certifications. Leah is the former President of the Houston Customhouse Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association since 2014 and she is the Legislative Committee Chair for the NCBFAA. 

Jose D Gonzalez

Jose D. Gonzalez is a licensed U.S. customs broker who has operated a customs house brokerage business under the same name since 1994.   He currently serves as President for NCBFAA representing over 1,100 member firms and previously as Area 8 Rep. He was previously appointed to the 15^th term of CBP COAC, and is a senior advisor to the board of the Laredo Licensed brokers (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 which represents one of the largest concentrations of customs brokers in the nation who works closely with CBP. He was also reappointed for the 16^th Term COAC

Mr. Gonzalez has been actively involved in the international trade industry on a consistent basis for 28 years and has held various positions in the import and export operations, consulting, and compliance and continues to be involved in many trade and civic related entities. A few of the organizations he is involved with are the following: Present Committee chair of The Laredo Airport Advisory Board, City of Laredo Port of Entry Committee member, City of Laredo Redistricting Commission member, advisory board member of The Laredo Development Foundation past vice chair 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. During his enlistment, he was involved in Mediterranean Peacekeeping 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 Bachelor of Business Administration Degree in Accounting. 

Sabrina Keller

Sabrina has worked in the investigative, counter-surveillance and security fields for the private sector and several U.S. government agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). She was based in Paris, France for the first half of her career and traveled extensively in Africa. As the Deputy Director of CPSC’s Office of Import Surveillance, she oversees a team of CPSC investigators collocated at major U.S. ports of entry and working alongside CBP. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in Washington, DC and a Master’s degree in Criminology from the University of Cambridge, England.

Michael Lahar

Michael Lahar is the Regulatory Affairs Manager for A.N. Deringer, Inc. He has over 35 years of experience in the field of Customs Brokerage. Mike has corporate oversight of the Regulatory Affairs Department and Bond Department as well as the Food Facility Registration program and USMCA program. He is a recognized industry leader in matters regarding “Partner Government Agencies” (PGA) and chairs the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). He speaks regularly as well as providing training concerning CBP and PGA matters.  

Adam Lees

Adam Lees has been a Licensed Customs Broker since 1997 and has been actively working in the International Logistics industry for 30+ years. Adam began working in the finance department of a Swiss freight forwarder in 1993 and in 1996 passed the broker’s exam. Since then, Adam has held several positions in the logistics industry including Import and Branch Managers, District Manager, and US Customs Product Manager for multiple freight forwarders and customs brokers. He has worked in ports of all sizes – Hartford, CT; Rochester, NY; Orlando, FL, and JFK.

As the VP of Customs Brokerage for Alba Wheels Up, based in Valley Stream, NY, Adam has direct oversight over their Customs Brokerage operations. As with his previous roles, he is also the Customs Brokerage liaison with their software vendors.

Adam has written and implemented several SOPs and Best Practices throughout his career by leveraging his experience and knowledge of the logistics business in coordination with CBP and the various government agencies. He continues to collaborate with each of the Alba Wheels Up offices and its software vendors to develop strategic solutions to enhance Customs Compliance while streamlining transaction processing. He has also been one of the key personnel to integrate new acquisitions into Alba Wheels Up.

Adam currently serves as the vice chair of the Regulatory Agency Committee and is a member on multiple NCBFAA committees including the Customs Committee and several sub-committees.

Adam obtained his bachelor’s degree in international business at the University of Vermont. 

Brandon Lord

Brandon Lord serves as the Executive Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Trade Policy and Programs Directorate, in the Office of Trade. He also serves as the Deputy Director of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), located in Washington D.C.

He is responsible for policy implementation, trade enforcement priorities, and stakeholder outreach related to CBP’s national trade strategy. He manages policy implementation on a variety of key trade issues including combatting illegal wildlife trafficking, countering illicit trade and counterfeit goods. He oversees trade processes that impact supply chain traceability and fair trade including: CBP’s 21st Century Customs Framework (21CCF) efforts, the enforcement of Section 201, 232, and 301 trade remedy measures and duties, the Global Business Identifier (GBI) initiative, E-Commerce Section 321, and Entry Type 86 data pilots, and the CBP Green Trade Strategy. His work with U.S. stakeholders, partner government agencies, and U.S. Congress on 21CCF will increase supply chain compliance creating further transparency, and allow CBP to continue modernizing its trade procedures, and adjust to changing global trade practices. Additionally, he oversees CBP’s Commercial and Targeting Analysis Center which streamlines and enhances federal efforts with a focus on the importation, exportation and trafficking of articles that pose a risk to import health and safety.

Mr. Lord has been with CBP for over ten years, providing critical technical trade assistance and guidance spearheading national enforcement operations to combat trade evasion schemes. He holds degrees in political science and economics from the George Washington University.

Jenette Prince

Jenette Prince, Vice President, Trade Control – Import & Export, Kuehne + Nagel, Inc. is a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, Master Customs Specialist, and Certified Export Specialist. She began her career in 1993 at Expeditors in San Francisco as an entry writer, quickly advancing to a supervisory role. In 1998, she joined Kuehne + Nagel, Inc., where she has held various positions across the United States.

In San Francisco, Jenette served as Customs Brokerage Supervisor, Manager, West Coast Regional Customs Brokerage Manager, and Import Manager for the local branch. In 2007, she was promoted to the corporate office in Jersey City, NJ, where she held roles including East Coast Regional Customs Brokerage Manager and Strategic Accounts Manager and was responsible for ACE Implementation and Training.

In 2015, upon assuming her current role as Director of U.S. Trade Control – Import, Jenette relocated to Tampa, FL, where she led Kuehne + Nagel Inc.’s U.S. Trade Control - Import Team. She also led the Automated Invoice Interface Working Group with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Trade Support Network.

Jenette is actively involved with the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, serving on the Legislative Committee, Transportation – Air Freight Subcommittee, and as Chair for both the Political Action Committee and the NEI’s Content Committee. She is currently the Chairwoman of the Florida Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (FCBF), a leading trade association for industry professionals in the import and export community. She is also involved with Organization of Women in International Trade and CESAC.

Jenette recently graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies. During her studies, she served as President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Treasurer of the Student Justice Association. She plans to begin law school in the near future.

Jessica Taylor

Jessica Taylor is the Senate and Governors Editor for The Cook Political Report. Founded in 1984, The Cook Political Report provides analyses of presidential, U.S. Senate, House and gubernatorial races. The New York Times has called The Cook Political Report, "a newsletter that both parties regard as authoritative."

Before joining Cook, Taylor was a political reporter for National Public Radio for five years, where she covered elections and breaking news, ranging from the White House to both chambers of Congress and statewide elections. She was also a contributing author to the 2020 edition of The Almanac of American Politics.

Taylor has previously served as a senior analyst/reporter for The Rothenberg Political Report (now Inside Elections), where her quotes and analysis appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal and numerous other publications. She has reported on politics for several prestigious outlets over the past decade — including the NBC News Political Unit, National Journal, Politico and The Hill, where she served as campaign editor. She has appeared on MSNBC, Fox News, C-SPAN and CNN. Her expert analysis contributed to real-time election night coverage and analysis at CBS in 2012.

A Tennessee native, she graduated magna cum laude in 2007 with a B.A. in political science from Furman University in South Carolina.

Jennifer Tucker, Ph.D.

Jennifer Tucker, Ph.D., was named Deputy Administrator of the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program on June 21, 2018. Dr. Tucker served as Associate Deputy Administrator of the National Organic Program from 2011-2018. Before joining USDA, she served as a group facilitator and organization development consultant, working primarily with scientific and technical government and non-profit organizations. She earned a B.A. in Environmental Science from Wesleyan University, an M.S. in Management from Purdue University, and a Ph.D. in Science and Technology Studies from Virginia Tech.