Conference Speakers

Mr. Armando Goncalvez brings 36 years of federal law enforcement experience and currently acts as the Assistant Director, Trade and Cargo Security. Mr. Goncalvez oversees all trade, agricultural, compliance, enforcement, and facilitation activities at eight international ports of entry in Arizona. The Tucson Field Office annually facilitates approximately $31 billion in international trade and collects $244 million in revenue.

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Mr. Goncalvez began his career in 1988 with the U.S. Border Patrol, Naco, Arizona. In 1991, he joined the U.S. Customs Service, Hidalgo, Texas. He accepted a promotion to the Tucson Field Office as a program manager in 2003 and served as the (acting) Port Director, Nogales, Arizona in 2009. He later served as the Supervisory Program Manager, Trade, Tucson Field Office.

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Mr. Goncalvez has extensive experience and knowledge of trade, as reflected in his work with the U.S. Customs Industry Partnership Programs. He has served as the team leader for Mexico in support of the Americas Counter Narcotics Smuggling Initiative and was involved in developing and supporting the Land Border Carrier Initiative, as well as the Business Anti-Smuggling Coalition programs. These accomplishments have greatly enhanced the performance and efficiency of trade actions within the agency.

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Trade continues to receive support from Mr. Goncalvez with his attention, dedication, and guidance provided to the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, the Free and Secure Trade, the Automated Commercial Environment, and the Global Entry programs. He most recently played a critical role in the creation and implementation of the bi-national Unified Cargo Process (UCP).

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Dennis McKenzie is the Deputy Executive Director, Cargo & Conveyance Security (CCS) within the Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP). He was promoted to that position on June 22, 2015. CCS is responsible for all the cargo release functions at the ports of entry throughout the United States. Providing daily oversight over six divisions that form the backbone of CBP’s cargo processes. These 6 divisions: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT), Trade Operations Division (TOD), Fines Penalties & Forfeitures (FPF), Manifest and Conveyance Security (MCS), Cargo Security and Control (CSC) and the Cargo Innovation are complex in nature blending both enforcement and facilitation.

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Prior to this assignment, Mr. McKenzie had been the Director, Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Division, within OFO since October 2003. As the Director, he was responsible for oversight and policy initiation of all aspects of the Fines, Penalties and Forfeiture process to ensure proper management control and accountability of all seized property and penalties enforced by the law enforcement officers of CBP and ICE. Mr. McKenzie was charged with providing oversight, reviewing national policies and procedures and coordinating policy changes and issuances across all disciplines within CBP with regard to the seized property program.

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In addition, Mr. McKenzie served as the Director, Seized Property Systems within the Office of the Commissioner, of the U.S. Customs Service from August 2000 until September 2003. As the Director, Mr. McKenzie chaired the Commissioner’s Seized Narcotics/Property Task Force. The taskforce monitored all aspects of the Customs seized property program, developed strategies on major policy issues, and made recommendations to the Executive Oversight Board for Seized Property.

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David Sarrasin is currently the Assistant Director of Field Operations for Trade in the San Diego Field Office.  He has programmatic oversight of Trade and Agriculture operations within Southern California.  In addition, his area of responsibility encompasses deployed Non-Intrusive Technologies, Trusted Traveler Program, Fines Penalties and Forfeitures, and Training.

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Before his current position, Assistant Director was the Assistant Director of Operational Support for the San Diego Field Office.  In this position he oversaw Training and Communications Management.

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In 2018, AD Sarrasin was promoted as the Assistant Port Director of Commercial Operations at the Calexico Port of Entry.  During his tenure, he established standardized inspections and actively engaged with the Trade Community to improve processes that would improve the efficiency of processing commercial trade.

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He also served as the Port Director of the Andrade Port of Entry, where he developed strong relationships with both the Tribal government and stakeholders.

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In addition to the San Diego Field Office, Assistant Director Sarrasin has held leadership positions in both the Tucson and Boston Field Offices and has served in several assignments to CBP Headquarters, notably the Western Hemisphere Initiative.

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He is a veteran of the U.S. Army and a holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from San Diego State University.

As the Assistant Director (AD) for the El Paso Field Office (EPFO), Trade Operations, he oversees the overall planning, directing and timely execution of Trade Operations, including the Agriculture and Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) Departments. He is responsible for the development and assignment of goals and objectives for commercial operations at all U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ports of entry in West Texas and New Mexico. In addition, he manages the implementation and compliance of all trade-related initiatives, policies, and procedures. AD Thome was selected as the AD in March 2022 and has over 21 years of law enforcement experience.

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AD Thome began his career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of El Paso in September 2003 as a U.S. Customs & Border Protection Officer. He was promoted to Supervisory CBP Officer where he oversaw the Port of El Paso’s tactical unit; the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET). During his time with A-TCET, he was responsible for collaborating with interagency assets, along with interagency law enforcement partners to address short notice or quickly developing high-risk enforcement situations. After his assignment to A-TCET, and in recognition of his leadership abilities, AD Thome earned the promotion to Chief Supervisory CBP Officer at the Port of El Paso where he provided a higher-level oversight to all aspects of Port operational and administrative functions. This was a result of his ability to process high volumes of information while leveraging his ability to provide guidance/direction in a quick-paced environment. AD Thome has held a variety of leadership positions within CBP such as Border Security Coordinator (BSC), Port Director, and Watch Commander with the Field Liaison Division at Headquarters. In these key positions, he has collaborated and built strategic relationships with senior managers from CBP’s partner agencies to establish best practices and further common mission goals.

Coley Anderson, Director of Industry and Government Relations & Enterprise Solutions Specialist for Registrar Corp.  Mrs. Anderson focuses on educating foreign governments, trade associations, and individual companies about U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations since 2007. In addition to English, she speaks fluent Spanish and has conducted dozens of seminars on U.S. FDA food regulations in Latin America, Australia, Asia and the United States. Mrs. Anderson is based at Registrar Corp's headquarters in Hampton, Virginia.

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Anna Benevente holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Ms. Benevente has over 15 years of analytical research experience. As a Senior Regulatory Specialist at Registrar Corp, she has been assisting companies with U.S. FDA regulations since 2009.She has researched thousands of products to determine whether they meet the FDA requirements for compliance. In addition, Ms. Benevente has conducted multiple seminars for trade and customs broker associations. Her areas of expertise include Import Alerts("DWPE")and detention assistance, product formulation requirements, and labeling for cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, beverages, food, dietary supplements, and medical devices.  Ms. Benevente is based at Registrar Corp's headquarters in Hampton, Virginia, where she manages a team of 10 Regulatory Specialists.

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Rebeca Ulloa is Consumer Safety Officer with FDA’s Division of Southwest Imports. She has been with FDA for over 22 years. Officer Ulloa has worked with FDA’s Florida District office as a Public Affairs Specialist and is currently with FDA’s Division of Southwest Imports at the El Paso Resident Post.  CSO Ulloa has been a resource to the local importer community for information on the FDA regulated products and requirement for their importation for nearly 21 years.

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Ms. Ryan has spent the last 13 years working with customs brokers on key issues such as the modernization of the broker regulations, standing up the Centers of Excellence and Expertise, regulatory reform, and now developing the Continuing Education program for individual licensed brokers.

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Prior to 2011, Ms. Ryan led the Economic Analysis Branch, which conducted dozens of analyses in support of rules such as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, the Importer Security Filing, and the overhaul of the immigration system in the Mariana Islands. Ms. Ryan has also worked in resource planning, CBP employee resiliency efforts, and in logistics for the Southwest Border Coordination Center. Ms. Ryan holds a Master’s in Public Policy from George Mason University and a B.A. in International Studies from Reed College.

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Mr. David. R. Panko is an experienced veteran of global trade.  He is the Manager of the El Paso Foreign Trade Zone 68 for the City of El Paso.  He is the Grantee representative and liaison with many federal agencies that have a regulatory role with El Paso’s Foreign-Trade Zone.   He works with the industry leaders in El Paso and Juarez to utilize the Foreign Trade Zone program to optimize their global supply chains to create significant cost savings to their operations.  Under his leadership FTZ 68 has grown from 16 to 30 active FTZ clients in the past 5 years, adding new FTZ clients each year.  FTZ 68 was named the best FTZ in the Americas for Large Tenant Companies in 2022 and 2023 by the Global Trade Magazine (Foreign Direct Investment).  He is leading the boundary expansion for FTZ 68 from 3,400 to 6,500 acres of virtual FTZ boundaries, the first expansion in 19 years.

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He holds certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Enterprise Institute, and C-TPAT Manager.  He also has certifications as a Certified Zone Specialist (CZS) and Accredited Zone Specialist (AZS).  David was a key member of the trade group working with US Customs & Border Protection and Mexico Customs to design, pilot, and implement the Southern Border FAST Lane program at the El Paso Port of Entry.  This program expanded to all US Southern border crossings in the mid 2000’s.  Successfully creating and implementing major continuous improvement projects is what motivates David every day.

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Prior to joining the City of El Paso’s FTZ No. 68, David spent over 30 years working with Distribution Centers, Bonded Warehouses, Foreign Trade Zones, and International Trade on the US/Mexico border.  During his business career, he worked with General Motors, Packard Electric, Delphi, and the Kelly Outsourcing and Consulting Group.  He has a vast wealth of knowledge in border and global trade, customs, logistics, business modeling, information & inventory control systems, and supply chain management.

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He is a member of the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) serving on the Grantee, Membership, and Advocacy Committees.  He is a founding member of the Texas Association of Foreign Trade Zones (TAFTZ).  He serves as Vice President on the Board of the Pioneer Association in El Paso, Texas is an active member Executive Board of the Yucca Council, BSA, and is the Policy Committee Chair for the Border Trade Alliance.

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Octavio Saavedra is a seasoned logistics professional and the visionary founder of EP Logistics LLC. He graduated from the Goldman Sachs Small Business Cohort at Babson College and holds a BBA in Finance from Texas State University. As a licensed customs broker and certified customs specialist, Octavio brings extensive expertise in logistics, third-party logistics (3PL), and supply chain management.

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Originally from Laredo, Texas, Octavio now calls El Paso home. He previously served as president of the El Paso Customs Brokers Association and is an active member of the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association.
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Since establishing EP Logistics 18 years ago, Octavio has transformed the company into a leading player in the industry, employing over 300 professionals and operating more than 1.5 million square feet of warehousing across multiple locations. Under his leadership, EP Logistics has become a vital 3PL provider in the El Paso and Juarez region, recognized for its commitment to excellence and innovation in logistics solutions.

Gerry Horner has been employed with the U.S. Departmentof Commerce for over 35 years, specializing in export data collection,publication of export statistics, formulating export regulations, and measuringthe compliance of export reporting.

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Mr. Horner currently is employed by the U.S. Census Bureauwhere he is currently the Branch Chief of the Trade Regulations Branch,responsible for overseeing the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR); ensuring thatthe FTR are consistent with other federal regulations and the trade community’sbusiness practices; contributing to the development of the Electronic ExportManifest; and managing the Census Bureau’s Voluntary Self Disclosure program.

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Between 2006 and 2018, Mr. Horner was a Senior Analyst andDirector of the Office of Technology Evaluation for the Bureau of Industry andSecurity (BIS).  He transformed BIS’s data mining efforts, deployed theConsolidated Screening List and BIS license decrementation program, andassisted in the rewrite of the export clearance, destination control statement,and shipping tolerance regulations.  Mr. Horner liaised with other federalagencies on all matters pertaining to the Automated Export System (AES) whileenabling BIS’s access to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) singlewindow portal.  In 2009, Mr. Horner received the Commerce Department’ssilver medal award for measuring the effectiveness of BIS’s export controls inAES filings.  In 2014, he was awarded the Department’s gold medal awardfor his efforts implementing the International Trade Data System in ACE.

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Mr. Horner began his career at the Census Bureau in1989,where he worked until 2006.  In those 17years, he was a major playerin the multi-agency team that transformed the collection of the paper Shipper’sExport Declaration into the development and implementation of AES in 1995 andAESDirect in 1999.  He formulated the AES outreach program; establishedthe AES customer service call center; launched the AES compliance reviewprogram; and contributed to the FTR rewrite addressing AES requirements. In 2002, Mr. Horner received the Commerce Department’s silver medal awardand the Census Bureau Director’s Award for Innovation for his support of AESand AESDirect.

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Mr. Horner has a bachelor’s degree in economics from theUniversity of Maryland

Amir Taichman is the Founder and CEO of UnitySCM, where he helps supply chain companies prepare for AI by making their operations more data-driven. With a background in AI and ML, Amir has led machine learning-based search and recommendations at Everything. Developed location-based services at Life360, and worked on big data AI and speech recognition in Military Intelligence and Defense. At Elementum, he applied AI to optimize supply chain operations, fueling innovation and growth.

Cindy Deleon, Founder & Managing Director. Cindy is founder of Deleon Trade LLC and Managing Director.  Cindyutilizes her audit experience to assist clients in strengthening internalcontrol program to ensure U.S. Customs compliance and passing customs audits& RASA’s.  She works with clients to identify risks in importoperations and develop compliance manuals and procedures. Cindy hasprepared prior disclosure documentation and statistical samples, preparedtransaction value reconciliations covering multiple types of value adjustments,prepared cost submissions and computed value reconciliations, and conductedcomprehensive special trade program reviews in response to U.S. Customsinquiries.  Her technical expertise of the U.S. Customs audit process hashelped clients achieve favorable audit results.

Before starting her consulting career in 2007, Cindy servedas a Senior Auditor and Assistant Field Director of U.S. Customs and BorderProtection’s Regulatory Audit Division in Chicago for 12 years.  Whileworking at U.S. Customs she conducted and supervised multiple focusedassessment audits, quick response audits, fraud investigations, free tradeagreement reviews, drawback audits, NAFTA audits, and prior disclosure reviewsof Fortune 500 and midsize companies.  In addition, she designed and ledthe mentoring and recruiting programs for the Chicago field office andconducted advanced training sessions on technical audit issues and specialtrade program audits.  

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Education

B.S., Accounting, DePaul University, High Honors

Awards & Honors

U.S. Customs Commissioner's Award

National Audit Planning Award

Fernando Holguín is Co-Managing Partner of the national law firm EC Rubio. He is a member of the Tax & Trade Group and concentrates his practice in taxation, customs, and international trade. In different occasions he has been “Latin Lawyer´s” reference attorney for Mexico and has been recognized as Leading Practitioner by Chambers and Partners Latin America (2016-2024) and “Chambers and Partners Global”. He has also been recognized by “The Legal 500’s” as “Leading individuals” and “Lawyer of the Year” by “Best Lawyers”.
He has extensive experience in the areas of free trade agreements, compliance, IMMEX / Maquiladora and shelters, internal and governmental customs and international trade audits, import/export procedures, valuation, HTS classification, lobbying and prior disclosures.
Regularly assists multinational companies in designing and implementing their customs and foreign trade business structures in Mexico.
Fernando also has extensive practice in Domestic and International Taxation. Has been counseling companies on the tax implications for joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions and maquiladora and shelter taxation throughout Mexico.
Advises foreign companies setting up tax efficient structures when doing business in Mexico.
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EDUCATION

• Master of laws in International taxation, New York University with a Fulbright Scholar.
• Postgraduate Degree in Tax Law and Customs, Escuela Libre de Derecho.
• Postgraduate Degree in Taxes, Universidad Panamericana.
• Law Degree, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, ITESM, Campus Chihuahua. Highest distinction of Summa Cum Laude.
• Postgraduate Degree in International Taxation by the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, (ITAM)
• Master of  business law, School of Law, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez on a joint academic program with the Faculty of Law, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, UNAM.
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RECOGNITIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS

• Recognized as Leading Practitioner by Chambers and Partners “The Guide to the World’s Best Lawyers”.
• Recognized as Latin Lawyers Reference Attorney for Mexico.
• American Bar Association (Business Law Section).
• Customs and International Trade Bar Association.
• Foreign Trade Association.
• Mexican Bar Association.
• Chairman of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Fraternity (Chihuahua).
• Professor ITESM Ciudad Juárez.
• International Trade Fulbright Scholar Chairman.

Carlos A. Noé holds a Degree in International Commerce and is currently studying for a master’s in Logistics and Transportation. Mr. Noé has over 20 years of experience in the Transportation and Cross Border Logistics industry. Through his innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, he has tailored solutions for some of the most recognized manufacturers on the US-Mexico Border. He is the founder and CEO of Number One Expedite, a group of companies that combine Logistics, Transportation, Trading, Software, and an IMMEX Certified entity in Mexico that provides a logistics shelter full of services under over 400k Sq ft. of warehouses and Distributions Centers that allow Mexican and foreign entities perform business in Mexico under tax stimulus scheme that contributes and enhance the performance and compliance of USMCA program at the same time facilitating and efficiently helping their customers react and operate at virtually small cost.

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Mr. Noé and the Number One Expedite Team have committed to keeping an eye on the future of all industries and providing a business model that will give any company access to the full breadth of a transparent operative experience backed by technology from across their platform, their people, and their logistics ecosystems. Because of our deep knowledge of the logistics sector, we can apply a targeted approach to manufacturing, e-commerce, commercial or product development, as well as operations light transformation to help companies differentiate their business from the rest no matter what industry they belong to and help them drive competitive advantage, low logistics operating cost, and continuous growth. Our Model is focused on getting companies ready to innovate, disrupt, and prepare their logistics teams to lead the future of our industry together.

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 With over 25 years of experience leading and developing foreign trade zones in El Paso. Joe is considered one of the US's most influential foreign trade zone leaders.  In 2023, Joe created the City of Socorro’s FTZ No. 302, the newest FTZ in the nation.  

In 2022, Joe was appointed to head up the City ofSocorro’s economic recovery efforts. He has focused on developing its small business & entrepreneurial support programs while leading the city’s first economic development strategic plan. He is also spearheading its industry attraction efforts, creating a new foreign trade zone grant of authority inSocorro, and having the fastest activation of an FTZ in the region (2 months).

Joe also owns a consulting firm called EP GlobalConsulting (www.epglobalconsulting.net),where he serves his private clients with site selection and foreign trade zone projects.  He is the “Go To FTZ expert”in the region, with more than half of all FTZ companies in the El Paso metro being activated or consulted by him.  

In 2018, Joe served as Economic Development Director for the County of El Paso, where his department was recognized by the TexasEconomic Development Council with an Economic Excellence Recognition.  During his term at the county, he created most of the existing business retention and attraction programs, he also led efforts to bring over a $150 million of investment and more than 700 jobs.

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Prior to this, Joe served as the Foreign-Trade Zone Manager of FTZ No. 68, a division of El Paso International Airport (EPIA), serving in the role of Grantee & General Purpose Zone Operator, where he helped many logistics companies expand in El Paso.  During his stay at the EPIA, Joe racked up some major wins:  

• Founder of the International TradeProcessing Center (ITPC), now a one-stop shop for international trade that offers US Customs and FTZ services at EPIA.
• In 2011, El Paso’s FTZ was # 2 in exports and # 2 in merchandise received as per FTZ Board’s annual report.
• In 2013, El Paso’s FTZ was # 2 in exports and # 9 in merchandise received.
• In 2014, El Paso’s FTZ was #1 in exports and #     2 in merchandise received.
• In 2015, El Paso’s FTZ was honored by the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) as the TopExporter of the Year among general-purpose zones in the U.S.
• Earned El Paso’s FTZ national and international recognition in business publications such as Business Facilities, GlobalTrade, and fDi Financial Times Group. Initiated the signing of an MOU with the Barcelona free trade zone (Spain) to cross-promote with El Paso’s FTZ.  

Prior to heading up El Paso’s FTZ, Joe worked for the City of El Paso’s Economic Development department, where he oversaw its redevelopment efforts and business retention and expansion projects.  He was part of a team that brought in over $100million of investment and created more than 500 jobs, using a myriad of economic incentives.

Joe’s professional involvement at the local and national level includes being Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the NationalAssociation of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ), where he serves on the accreditation and grantee committee.  He has also held memberships with the International Economic Development Council; and the Texas Economic Development Council, serving on the Legislative& Conference committees; and Past Chair of the El Paso Trade &Manufacturing Council.

Joe is an Accredited Zone Specialist (A.Z.S.) and aCertified Zone Specialist (C.Z.S.).

A known personality in El Paso’s economy Joe serves as ViceChair of the Board of Directors at GECU, (the largest locally owned financial institution).  He has served on committees of local chambers of commerce, and other business organizations, and the former El Paso/Cd. Juarez World Trade Association.  Joe is an accomplished speaker on free trade zones and has been invited to address keynotes at numerous conferences in theUS and abroad.  

Joe holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master’s in Public Administration degree from the University of Texas at El Paso.

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Roberto Ransom established a keen working knowledge of the Paso del Norte Region through developing, directing, and managing business outreach efforts in recruitment, retention, and expansion for the State of New Mexico's Economic Development Department's Office of Mexican Affairs and Trade. His efforts contributed to the strong economic growth of southern New Mexico's Borderplex region, generating hundreds of jobs and attracting numerous industries by developing close and lasting partnerships with business owners from small, medium, and large companies.

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Prior to his work as an economic development official, Roberto served as the Director of the El Paso – Juarez World Trade Center, promoting economic integration and strengthening the relationship between communities within the Paso del Norte Region.
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In 2012, Roberto joined The University of Texas at El Paso, where he contributed to its success in different capacities.
In his most recent role as Operations Director for UTEP’s Hunt Institute for Global Competitiveness, Roberto strengthened the institute's engagement at the regional and binational levels in the Paso del Norte Region by working closely with different university departments and federal and state government agencies.
Roberto obtained his B.A. in International Business and Computer Information Systems from The University of Texas at El Paso in 2005.
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Having worked in binational affairs for the Paso del Norte Region, the nonprofit, public, and academic sectors, Roberto brings a broad range of experience
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With extensive experience in binational affairs across the Paso del Norte Region and a strong background in the nonprofit, public, and academic sectors, Roberto brings a well-rounded and comprehensive skill set to his work.

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Alan Russell is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Tecma Group of Companies; which he also co-funded in 1986.

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In the last 37 years, Alan has grown the Group into a respected National Leader in the ever-complex nearshore solutions between the US and Mexico; the company's manufacturing support services now cover sites throughout Mexico with more than 90 operating facilities.

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Additionally, Tecma's Transportation and Customs divisions add to the vertical integration model providing door-to-door freight and logistics services from Mexico to any point in the United States.
Alan has been a long-time advocate for the El Paso/ Juarez region supporting bi-national business, health, and community matters and serving on the board of directors for several organizations, such as: Hospitals of Providence and Western Heritage Bank; and supports the University of Texas Athletics programs. He is a sponsor of C.A.F.E., a college scholarship foundation and funds needed Nursing Scholarships through the Texas Tech University of El Paso.

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He has served as a Past President of the Chamizal Foundation dealing with border health, as Founder and Past President of the International Amigo Airsho, and as a Founding Director of the El Paso Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure.

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Mr. Russell has accepted multiple awards on behalf of Tecma in leadership, Human Resources, and Environmental health and safety, including the coveted top 100 "Great Place to Work" recognition.
Alan was honored by Southern Oklahoma State University as their Distinguished Alumni.
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He was inducted into the El Paso Aviation Hall of Fame.

Christie Brush is the Vice President of Avalon’s Southern Regional office.  Christie joined Avalon in 2007 with a strong background in risk management for the logistics industry. With over 30 years of experience, her expertise includes Bonds, Cargo Insurance, and Professional Liability Insurance.

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Christie began her career at Avalon as a Senior Account Executive to help build Avalon’s sales efforts in the south. As Vice President, she continues to build strong relationships with clients and underwriters.

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Christie has earned the designations of Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) and Certified Transportation Broker (CTB). Christie shares her vast knowledge as she is regularly asked to be a panelist at industry conferences. She is an active member of various associations, including ITMA, HCBFFA, IFFCBANO, and TIA.  Christie has also served on the Board of the International Transportation Management Association (ITMA) in Houston in various positions, including Hospitality Director, Secretary, Vice President, and President.

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During her downtime, Christie enjoys spending time with her husband, playing racquetball, and seeing her eight grandchildren.

With over 30 years of insurance industry experience, Kathleen Dorman is the AVP Regional Product Manager, Surety Bonds for Roanoke (Houston, TX), specializing in customs bonds. She joined the industry in 1985 as Bond Manager for Trade Insurance. Kathleen’s areas of responsibility included underwriting, marketing and customer support for local and national accounts in the area of customs bonds and professional liability insurance.

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Kathleen graduated from Texas A&M University with a business degree and is a licensed Property and Casualty agent in the State of Texas.

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"The most satisfying aspect of my job comes from helping a customer. Customers entrust us with their business, and answering their questions and solving any problems that may arise is my personal responsibility and highest priority."

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

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

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

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

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Miriam Baca Kotkowski has carved a notable path in the realm of cross-border trade and logistics, particularly between Mexico and the United States. As the President of Tecma Transportation Services (TTS), she oversees an asset-based logistics transportation group catering to industries like manufacturing, construction, wind blade, and industrial equipment freight. TTS is an integral part of TECMA, a renowned Shelter for Manufacturers throughout Mexico.
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Miriam's journey is marked by significant milestones and accolades.

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Awards

• 2020: "Mexicana Distinguida" awarded by the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, IME, Instituto de los Mexicanos en el Exterior) for her outstanding career trajectory, including her role in facilitating international trade and inspiring others in their professional journeys.
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• 2016: "New Mexico Exporter of the Year" awarded by the Small Business Administration of New Mexico, recognizing her company's contributions to exporting cargo to Mexico.
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• 2012: "Border Trade Champion Award" from the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration.

Miriam's background, rooted in her bilingual and bicultural upbringing, coupled with her strong regional educational interests—a BBA in Finance and an executive MBA from the University of Texas at El Paso—and lifetime of experience in the cross-border trade industry, have equipped her with the expertise and insight to be invited to serve as a Lecturer Professor at The University of Texas in El Paso Business School. This role has led to educating up-and-coming professionals in the complexities of international trade and its supply chain and logistics nuances.

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Throughout her career, Miriam has also been actively involved in various committees and organizations, demonstrating her passion for trade, border issues, and supply chain management. Her leadership and commitment continue to leave a lasting impact on the industry, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in cross-border commerce.

Juliette Luna has been with Sky Transportation for over 14 years, currently serving as Chief Financial Officer. She has served the company in various roles during her tenue which has allowed her to gain valuable insight and experience into the world of logistics.

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After spending much of her time growing up in an internship type of role in which she worked closely with the Administration Department, Juliette was officially hired by the company as an Administrative Assistant in May 2011. While she worked her way through college, she quickly began to expand her learning into other areas of the company, including Safety, Operations, Shop, and Administration. While spending at times years in a certain department, she would look to analyze ways that current functions, programs or processes of the department could be improved for better efficiency and effectiveness. During this time, Juliette oversaw major projects such PowerPro onboarding and implementation. Additionally, she also personally went through each department and created process videos to create consistency and continuity in departmental operations.

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In 2020, Juliette transitioned into her current role as CFO for Sky. Coming into the role at the same time as the Covid-19 Pandemic swept across the U.S. supply chain required a quick learning curve. During this time, Juliette has overseen some of the best fiscal years for the company as well as restructuring of debt and leading the growing administrative section of the company with new and fresh ideas.

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Juliette holds a Master of Business Administration from New Mexico State University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science also from New Mexico State University.

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Albert E Luna currently serves Sky Transportation in a Vice President of Business Development role where he is entering his fourth year in that capacity.

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Albert has overseen the sales, recruiting, retention, and marketing efforts for Sky during his tenure. Albert has reformed the recruiting process during his time to better target quality drivers as well as innovative ideas for retention such as surveying drivers. Additionally, Albert has become involved in business development efforts, forming partnerships with key customers, and helping to better facilitate relationships between customers and Sky.

Before formally joining Sky, Albert worked with sister company The Truck Store since 2019 in a General Manager role overseeing the purchasing of inventory and the setting of prices based off an in-depth market analysis per unit. In this role, Albert was able to see the industry from another angle as well as interacting and forming partnerships with carriers to purchase their equipment.

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Albert has also worked with the City of El Paso - Economic and International Development where he helped oversee small business retention and expansion efforts.

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During his time at New Mexico State University, Albert worked as the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper, where he oversaw a staff of over 30 as well as managed the operating budget. During his tenure, the paper would see its first profitable fiscal year in over 20 years.

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Albert holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor in Banking and a minor in Insurance/ Risk Management from New Mexico State University. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government with a minor in Public Law, also from New Mexico State University.

As the Assistant Director (AD) for the El Paso Field Office (EPFO), Trade Operations, he oversees the overall planning, directing and timely execution of Trade Operations, including the Agriculture and Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures (FP&F) Departments. He is responsible for the development and assignment of goals and objectives for commercial operations at all U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ports of entry in West Texas and New Mexico. In addition, he manages the implementation and compliance of all trade-related initiatives, policies, and procedures. AD Thome was selected as the AD in March 2022 and has over 21 years of law enforcement experience.

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AD Thome began his career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Port of El Paso in September 2003 as a U.S. Customs & Border Protection Officer. He was promoted to Supervisory CBP Officer where he oversaw the Port of El Paso’s tactical unit; the Anti-Terrorism Contraband Enforcement Team (A-TCET). During his time with A-TCET, he was responsible for collaborating with interagency assets, along with interagency law enforcement partners to address short notice or quickly developing high-risk enforcement situations. After his assignment to A-TCET, and in recognition of his leadership abilities, AD Thome earned the promotion to Chief Supervisory CBP Officer at the Port of El Paso where he provided a higher-level oversight to all aspects of Port operational and administrative functions. This was a result of his ability to process high volumes of information while leveraging his ability to provide guidance/direction in a quick-paced environment. AD Thome has held a variety of leadership positions within CBP such as Border Security Coordinator (BSC), Port Director, and Watch Commander with the Field Liaison Division at Headquarters. In these key positions, he has collaborated and built strategic relationships with senior managers from CBP’s partner agencies to establish best practices and further common mission goals.