Saturday, September 26

2:30-4:30PM | NEI Committee Meeting 

Capitol D

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

Capitol EF

Sunday, September 27

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

Capitol E

9:00-10:00AM | Legislative Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol E

10:00AM-12:20PM | Transportation Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol E

12:30-2:40PM | Customs Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol E

2:40-5:30PM | Board of Directors Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol FG

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

Capitol Reg B

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

Capitol Foyer

Monday, September 28

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

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

Capitol Reg B

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

Capitol DE

Join NCBFAA President Karen Damon as we officially open the Government Affairs Conference and prepare for a productive week of advocacy, education, and engagement. Attendees will receive an overview of conference priorities, key policy issues, and the opportunities ahead to strengthen relationships with lawmakers and government officials.

• Karen Damon, NCBFAA President; Vice President, Regulatory Compliance, Mohawk Global
• Jenette Prince, NCBFAA GAC Chair; Vice President, Trade Control – Import & Export, Kuehne + Nagel Inc. 

9:00-9:15AM | Inside the Hill: What to Expect, What Matters, and How to be Effective

Capitol DE

Whether it is your first congressional visit or your fiftieth, understanding how Capitol Hill operates can make all the difference. This panel will provide an insider’s perspective on what to expect during meetings with Members of Congress and staff, current legislative dynamics, and practical tips for navigating Hill visits with confidence and professionalism.

• Leah Ellis, NCBFAA Legislative Committee Chair; Compliance Operations Manager, JAS Forwarding USA Inc.
• Dave Corn, NCBFAA Legislative Committee Co-Chair; Executive Vice President, Comstock & Holt, Inc.
• Nicole Bivens Collinson, NCBFAA Legislative Advisor; President, International Trade & Government Relations, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

9:15-10:00AM | Transportation Pain Points: When Data, Holds, and Enforcement Collide

Capitol DE

Transportation agencies increasingly rely on the same shipment data for multiple filings, creating overlapping requirements, inconsistent data interpretations, and heightened enforcement risk. This session will examine key operational and compliance challenges facing freight forwarders, NVOCCs, and IACs, including data ownership and accountability, duplicative filing requirements, agency misalignment, cargo holds, penalties, and escalating demurrage and detention costs. Panelists will discuss practical strategies to improve data quality, clarify responsibilities across the supply chain, reduce duplication, and mitigate regulatory and operational risk.

• Ashley Craig, NCBFAA Transportation Counsel; Partner and Co-Chair, International Trade and Logistics Group, Venable
• Kurt Schenkemeyer, Director of Systems Operations & Compliance, Argents Express Group
• Kim Calicott, NCBFAA Transportation Committee Chair; VP, Global Logistics and Export Compliance, Western Overseas Corporation

10:00-10:15AM | Break

Foyer

10:15-11:15AM | Customs Committee Unplugged: Your Voice, Our Future

Capitol DE

Join Customs Committee Leadership for an open discussion on the issues, challenges, and opportunities shaping today's customs and trade environment. This interactive session  provides attendees with updates on committee initiatives, insights into emerging priorities, and an opportunity to share questions and perspectives with industry peers and leaders.

• Sandy Langford-Coty, NCBFAA Customs Committee Chair; Director, A.N. Deringer, Inc.
• Ralph De La Rosa, NCBFAA Customs Committee Vice Chair; President, Imperial Freight Brokers, Inc.
• Lenny Feldman, NCBFAA Customs Counsel; Attorney, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.
• Allen Gina, President and Co-Founder, CT Strategies

11:15AM-12:00PM | Making Every Visit Count: Turning Advocacy into Action

Capitol DE

Join NCBFAA Legislative Committee leadership for an in-depth review of the position papers that will be presented during your congressional meetings, and how to build on those meetings for lasting relationships with policymakers. Attendees will learn how to frame the message from each position paper, determine what the asks might be from Congress and to compile strategies for ensuring impactful Hill visits.

• Leah Ellis, NCBFAA Legislative Committee Chair; Compliance Operations Manager, JAS Forwarding USA Inc.
• Dave Corn, NCBFAA Legislative Committee Co-Chair; Executive Vice President, Comstock & Holt, Inc.
• Nicole Bivens Collinson, NCBFAA Legislative Advisor; President, International Trade & Government Relations, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

12:00-1:15PM | Lunch with Keynote Speakers

Capitol FG

Join Diane Sabatino, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, and Susan Thomas, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, for a keynote luncheon discussion. Representing two of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's most critical operational and trade functions, the speakers will share perspectives on the evolving trade and border environment, CBP priorities, and the agency's continued engagement with the trade community. This session provides a unique opportunity to hear directly from CBP leadership and gain insight into issues shaping the future of international trade and cargo operations.

• Diane Sabatino, Executive Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operation
• Susan Thomas, Executive Assistant Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade

Moderator: Karen Damon, NCBFAA President; Vice President, Regulatory Compliance, Mohawk Global

1:15-1:30PM | Transition Break

1:30-2:00PM | Hot from the Hill

Capitol DE

Briefing update from Democratic Chief Trade Counsel and Trade Subcommittee Staff Director for Ways and Means. This session is OFF THE RECORD.

• Alexandra Whittaker, Democratic Chief Trade Counsel and Trade Subcommittee Staff Director, U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means

Moderator: Nicole Bivens Collinson, NCBFAA Legislative Advisor; President, International Trade & Government Relations, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.

2:00-3:00PM |  Strengthening Customs Enforcement Executive Order Panel

Capitol DE

Join CBP leadership for a discussion of the Strengthening Customs Enforcement Executive Order and its impact on the trade community. Learn firsthand about enforcement priorities, compliance expectations, and key considerations for importers and customs brokers in today's heightened enforcement environment.

• Chris Siepmann, Executive Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade Relations
• Shane Campbell, Deputy Executive Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Cargo & Conveyance Security
• Garrett Wright, Director, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade Relations, Trade Modernization Divsion, Trade Policy and Programs Directorate

Moderator: Sandy Langford-Coty, NCBFAA Customs Committee Chair; Director, A.N. Deringer, Inc.

3:00-3:45PM | Airfreight Subcommittee Update: NCBFAA/AFA White Papers on KSMS Recommendations and Direct AWB Changes

Capitol DE

The Airfreight Subcommittee will provide an update on the NCBFAA and AFA white papers addressing KSMS recommendations and direct AWB changes. The presentation will highlight key industry concerns, implementation considerations, and policy recommendations intended to support secure, efficient, and commercially viable air cargo operations while advancing supply chain modernization objectives.

• Donna Mullins, NCBFAA Airfreight Subcommittee Chair; President, Mullins International Solutions
• Brandon Fried, Executive Director, Airforwarders Association

3:45-4:00PM | Break

Foyer

4:00-4:30PM | CPSC eFiling - A View from the Top

Capitol DE

CPSC launched certificate eFiling on July 8, marking a significant change in how the agency receives and uses product certification data. CPSC's Director of Import Surveillance, will provide a big-picture assessment of the rollout, including early successes, implementation challenges, lessons learned, and the agency’s priorities moving forward. Looking beyond the technical details of filing certificate data, this session will explore how eFiling fits into CPSC’s broader import surveillance and enforcement strategy—and what customs brokers and importers should expect next.

• James "Jim" Joholske, Director of the Office of Import Surveillance, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

Moderator: Adam Lees, NCBFAA RAC Committee Vice Chair; VP Customs Brokerage, Alba Wheels Up International, LLC

4:30-5:15PM | FDA Import Shield: One Year In

Capitol DE

FDA's lead for ImportShield will reflect on the program's first year — how the program has evolved, what has changed, what is still a challenge for the trade, and practical guidance for customs brokers and importers for navigating common scenarios.

• Theresa Smedley, Director Investigations Branch - Northeast Division, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Moderator: Mike Lahar, NCBFAA RAC Committee Chair; Regulatory Affairs Manager, A.N. Deringer, Inc.

5:15PM | Closing Announcements

Capitol DE

• Jenette Prince, NCBFAA GAC Chair; Vice President, Trade Control - Import & Export, Kuehne + Nagel Inc.

5:30-7:00PM | Drawback Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Russell

5:30PM | Dinner on Your Own

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Tuesday, September 29

7:00-9:00AM | NCBFAA Registration Desk Opens

Capitol Reg B

7:30-8:00AM | Breakfast*

Capitol FG

*Please note that the plated breakfast service will end promptly at 8am to avoid disruptions during the breakfast keynote

8:15-8:45AM | Breakfast Keynote Speakers: FMC Chairman DiBella and FMC Commissioner Harvey

Capitol FG

Start the day with an engaging discussion featuring FMC Chairman Laura DiBella and FMC Commissioner Robert Harvey, who will share insights on the evolving maritime and transportation landscape, current regulatory priorities, and the Federal Maritime Commission’s role in promoting a fair, efficient, and competitive international supply chain.

• Laura DiBella, Chairman, Federal Maritime Commission
• Robert Harvey, Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission

Introduced By: Rich Roche, NCBFAA Transportation Committee Vice Chair, NCBFAA NVOCC Sub-Committee Chair; Senior Vice President, Mohawk Global Logistics

9:00-9:15AM | PAC

Capitol FG

Final PAC Raffles

• Meloney Norris, NCBFAA PAC Committee Co-Chair; Managing Director, Customs Brokerage, PLG Customs Brokers, Inc. 

Moderators:

• Jenette Prince, NCBFAA GAC Committee Chair; Vice President, Trade Control - Import & Export U.S., Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.
• Karen Damon, NCBFAA President; VP Regulatory Compliance, Mohawk Global Logistics

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

Capitol Hill

Put advocacy into action as attendees head to Capitol Hill to meet directly with Members of Congress and congressional staff. These meetings provide an opportunity to discuss NCBFAA's legislative priorities, share real-world industry perspectives, and strengthen relationships with policymakers on issues impacting customs brokers, freight forwarders, importers, and exporters. Participants are encouraged to apply the guidance and messaging from the morning briefings to ensure productive and impactful conversations on the Hill.

5:00-7:00PM | Congressional Reception

SD-G50 - Dirksen Building (50 Constitution Avenue NE)

Join Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agency representatives, and industry leaders for an evening of networking and engagement. The Congressional Reception provides an opportunity to continue conversations from Capitol Hill, strengthen relationships, and foster meaningful dialogue on the issues impacting the international trade community.

Wednesday, September 30

9:00AM-12:00PM | Customs Committee Meeting (Open to all NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol FG

12:00-1:00PM | Lunch

Capitol FG

1:00-3:30PM | RAC Meeting with PGAs (Open All NCBFAA Regular Members)

Capitol FG

Join the RAC from 1 to 3:30 for an informal and interactive discussion with CPSC's Andrea Rucker-Yarosh who is at the heart of the certificate eFiling implementation, and to hear updates from USDA Organics and EPA officials involved in import processing. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with PGAs in a relaxed, friendly environment.

• Jonathan Veley, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Andrea Rucker-Yarosh, Supervisory Management and Program Analyst, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 

Speaker/Moderator Bios
 

Kim Calicott

Kim Calicott is the Vice President of Global Logistics & Export Compliance at Western Overseas Corporation, where she leads international freight operations and oversees transportation compliance strategy. With over a decade of experience in global logistics, Kim specializes in U.S. export regulations, transportation and supply chain compliance, and operational process improvement.

She is actively involved in industry leadership through the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA), currently serving as Chair of the Transportation Committee and previously as Chair of the Export Compliance Subcommittee. Kim works closely with government agencies and industry stakeholders on regulatory initiatives.

Kim is focused on strengthening compliance programs while driving practical, efficient solutions that support global trade operations.

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

David Corn is Executive Vice President of Comstock & Holt, Inc. starting his drawback career in 2011.

David is recognized for his deep technical and theoretical knowledge of drawback, frequently speaking on drawback in venues across the country each year.  He recently concluded his term as co-chair of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee in January 2026, serving 4 years on COAC with 20 members of the trade community.

Mr. Corn serves as co-lead for the trade in the Trade Support Network’s Drawback Working group, leading efforts to build and transform the duty drawback program through changes to policy, business rules, regulations, and statute where possible.  David serves as co-chair of the NCBFAA’s Legislative Committee and as vice chair for the NCBFAA’s Drawback Subcommittee and as co-chair for AAEI’s Drawback and Duty Deferral Committee.

David actively discusses drawback with congressional representatives from NJ and NY, and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office.

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.

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.

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

Laura DiBella

Chairman Laura DiBella of Florida was nominated by President Trump on September 3, 2025, to serve on the Federal Maritime Commission for a term expiring on June 30, 2028. The United States Senate confirmed her nomination on December 18, 2025, and she was sworn in on January 6, 2026. President Trump designated Laura DiBella to serve as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission on January 28, 2026.

Chairman DiBella previously served as Florida’s first female Secretary of Commerce, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida, and President of Business Development at the Florida Department of Commerce where she was tasked with maintaining and improving Florida’s $1.5 trillion economy. Most recently, before joining the Federal Maritime Commission, Chairman DiBella worked as a government affairs advisor for Adams and Reese LLP.

Her career in the maritime industry began after being asked to temporarily stand-in as Port Director of the Port of Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority in 2017 while heading up local economic development in Nassau County, Florida. After a two-and-a-half-year tenure with the port, along with an introduction to the Florida Harbor Pilots Association, Chairman DiBella earned her role as the first-ever full time Executive Director in November 2019. In these positions, Chairman DiBella oversaw the implementation of port improvement projects and worked with state and private organizations to enact legislation and policies to bolster and protect commerce at Florida’s seaports.

Chairman DiBella earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management with a concentration in Business Administration and Management from the University of Florida. She is an avid distance runner, having completed the original six world marathon majors and holds the record for the number of overall female winner titles for the world famous 7 Mile Bridge Run in the Florida Keys.

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.

Allen Gina

Prior to establishing CT Strategies, Mr. Gina served as Assistant Commissioner for International Trade at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). As Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Gina oversaw a workforce of over 1,000 employees and a budget of over $300 million, and was responsible for leading the most extensive trade transformation initiative in CBP’s history.

Prior to serving as Assistant Commissioner for International Trade, Mr. Gina served as the Assistant Commissioner for International Affairs; (A) Assistant and Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Intelligence and Operations Coordination, and (A) Executive Director for the Joint Operations Directorate at CBP. Mr. Gina was appointed to the Senior Executive Service in 2004 as the Executive Director of the Container Security and Secure Freight Initiatives. Prior to entering the Senior Executive Service, Mr. Gina served as Customs Inspector, Supervisory Customs Inspector, Chief Customs Inspector, and Area Port Director, as well as the Director of various offices including: the Customs Industry Partnership Program, the Customs Outbound Program, and the Customs Office of Border Security.

Throughout his 30 plus-year career at CBP and its predecessor agency, the U.S. Customs Service, Mr. Gina has been a pioneer and a leader, developing broad and far-reaching national and international programs to support anti-terrorism and trade transformation policies. Prior to and during the first year of operation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Mr. Gina was assigned to the Border and Transportation Security Directorate as Director of Agency Coordination to help establish policies and procedures.

Mr. Gina is a native of New York City and received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queens College and is a graduate of the Office of Personnel Management’s Executive Development Program and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government Senior Executive Fellows Program. Mr. Gina has received numerous commendations and awards and has been conferred the rank of Meritorious Executive by the President of the United States. Mr. Gina lives in Virginia with his wife and has a daughter that lives in the District of Columbia.

Robert Harvey

Jim Joholske

Jim Joholske began his career at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in July 2000 in the agency’s Office of Compliance and Field Operations.  While in the Office of Compliance and Field Operations, he primarily focused on enforcement of products areas subject to the agency’s mandatory regulations.    

Jim joined CPSC’s newly formed Office of Import Surveillance in 2008, and served as the Deputy Director prior to assuming the role of office Director in March 2017.  The Office of Import Surveillance co-locates CPSC investigators at the largest ports of entry across the country.  CPSC staff work side-by-side with U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel to identify and examine imported shipments that may contain hazardous merchandise. 

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years. 

Michael Lahar

Michael Lahar is the Regulatory Affairs Manager for A.N. Deringer, Inc.  He began working in the field of international trade and Customs in 1987, obtained his Customs brokers license in 1990 and joined the Deringer family in 1997. Mike has corporate oversight of Customs and Regulatory Affairs as well as Deringer’s FDA Agent Program, USCMA Program, and the Bond Department.  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).  Mike has participated in numerous forums in support of streamlined trade and has testified before Congress. He speaks regularly as well as providing training concerning CBP and PGA matters. 

Adam Lees

Adam Lees is a Licensed Customs Broker and Customs Brokerage Technical Product Director at Alba Wheels Up, where he brings more than 30 years of experience in international logistics, customs brokerage, and trade compliance to the development of practical technology solutions for brokerage operations.

Adam began his career in 1993 with a Swiss freight forwarder and earned his Customs Broker License in 1996. Over the course of his career, he has held leadership roles across freight forwarding and customs brokerage, including Import and Branch Manager, District Manager, and U.S. Customs Product Manager.

In his current role, Adam connects regulatory expertise, brokerage operations, and technology execution, serving as the primary liaison between the Customs Brokerage division and software vendors. He translates operational and regulatory requirements into technology solutions that support compliance, improve transaction efficiency, and strengthen consistency across the brokerage network.

Adam has developed and implemented Standard Operating Procedures and best practices informed by his industry experience and collaboration with CBP and other government agencies. He works closely with Alba Wheels Up offices and technology partners to support process improvement, compliance execution, and integration efforts across the organization.

Adam has contributed questions for the Customs Broker Licensing Exam and serves as Vice Chair of the NCBFAA Regulatory Agency Committee. He is also active on the NCBFAA Customs Committee and several subcommittees, and he holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from the University of Vermont.

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.

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.

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.

Diane Sabatino

Diane J. Sabatino is the Acting (A) Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). As the senior official for OFO, Mrs. Sabatino leads more than 34,000 employees and oversees an annual operating budget exceeding $7.5 billion. In a typical year, Mrs. Sabatino oversees the enforcement of legitimate travel for more than 410 million travelers in the air, land, and maritime environments. In the cargo environment, she oversees the review of more than 29 million cargo containers to identify high-risk shipments, including processing more than 5.2 million containers.

In her current role, Mrs. Sabatino sets the strategic vision for OFO’s intelligence-driven operations, including the National Targeting Center in northern Virginia, to advance a unified, risk-based approach to trade and traveler security. She leads enterprise efforts to integrate targeting, data analytics, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, and enforcement capabilities, strengthening OFO’s ability to identify and mitigate risks while enforcing lawful trade and travel. She also advances facial biometrics initiatives to enhance national security, operational efficiency, and the overall traveler experience. Through her leadership, Mrs. Sabatino reinforces OFO’s critical role in ensuring a secure, resilient, and prosperous trade and travel environment.

A career law enforcement professional, Mrs. Sabatino previously served as the Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, OFO. She also served as Director, Field Operations (DFO) for the Miami and Tampa Field Office, one of CBP’s largest and most complex operations. As the DFO, she oversaw all inspectional operations throughout the State of Florida, encompassing 19 airports and 12 seaports, including the top 3 cruise ship ports in the world. She also served as the Lead Field Coordinator for Incident Response, charged with managing the response to multiple hurricanes for all CBP resources compromising FEMA Region IV.

From September 2011 to August 2015, Mrs. Sabatino served as the Port Director for the Port of Miami, managing complex operations for maritime cargo and the largest cruise passenger port in the country. Prior to her appointment as the Port Director, Mrs. Sabatino served as the Assistant Port Director, Passenger Operations, at Miami International Airport where she was responsible for the oversight of all international passenger inspections and enforcement activities.

A native of New Jersey, Mrs. Sabatino graduated from Fordham University, New York City with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in Philosophy. Mrs. Sabatino is also a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Senior Executives in National and International Security Program and the Department of Homeland Security, Partnership for Public Service Fellows Program. She began her Federal Law Enforcement career in 1998 as an Immigration Inspector at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

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).

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.

Susan Thomas

Susan S. Thomas is the Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Trade. In this role, she leads more than 1,250 employees and the enforcement of over 500 U.S. trade laws and 14 free trade agreements to enhance U.S. economic prosperity. In collaboration with 49 partner government agencies, she oversees the facilitation of more than $3 trillion in legitimate trade each year as well as seven priority trade issues. This work is critical to protecting the American economy and consumers from unsafe and unfair trade practices including intellectual property rights violations, forced labor, duty evasion, misclassification, and trade-based money laundering through risk-based and data driven enforcement.

Prior to her experience as EAC, she served as the Executive Director, Cargo and Conveyance Security, in CBP’s Office of Field Operations in Washington, DC. In this role, she oversaw cargo innovation; cargo security and controls; Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism; fines, penalties, and forfeitures; manifest and conveyance security; and trade operations. She also served as the Acting Deputy Director, Field Operations at the Los Angeles Field Office, overseeing a workforce of over 2,000 employees and all CBP operations in the greater Los Angeles area and Las Vegas, to include the Los Angeles International, Harry Reid International, John Wayne International, and Ontario International airports, the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Hueneme, and the Electronics Center of Excellence and Expertise.

Ms. Thomas has also held roles as Acting Assistant Port Director for Cargo Operations at JFK International Airport, where she managed trade enforcement, agriculture operations, and mail facilities, and as Acting Director of the National Targeting Center Cargo Division, overseeing cargo targeting systems and enforcement efforts. She also played a key role in transitioning the Centers of Excellence and Expertise into operational entities, strengthening trade processes, and ensuring consistency across CBP’s trade enforcement efforts.

She was born and raised in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania and received her Bachelor of Arts from LaSalle University in Philadelphia with a degree in Mathematics. She began her with the U.S. Customs Service in 1995 as an import specialist at the Port of Philadelphia.

Garrett Wright

Garrett Wright serves as the Director for the Trade Modernization Division, within CBP’s Office of Trade. Mr. Wright has over 16 years’ experience with CBP. He is currently leading efforts to implement the “Strengthening Customs Enforcement” Executive Order, modernize CBP’s Importer of Record Program, execute multiple pilots to test supply chain traceability and other AI-powered solutions offered by the private sector, and is responsible for policy pertaining to CBP’s Revenue Priority Trade Issue.

Prior to assuming his current role, Mr. Wright led numerous high-profile, broad impact initiatives within CBP’s Office of Trade, Office of Field Operations, and Enterprise Services. Notably, Mr. Wright stood up and matured CBP’s public-private partnership capabilities to address unfunded Land Port of Entry infrastructure needs and support intellectual property right enforcement efforts. Mr. Wright also developed and executed CBP’s Section 321 Data Pilot as well as spearheaded other related initiatives to modernize the Agency’s e-commerce enforcement and facilitation posture.