Making Global Markets Accessible - Taking the Next Steps
05/06/2024 (8:00 AM)
05/10/2024 (5:00 PM)
(GMT-04:00) Eastern Time (US and Canada)

About

Join us for our weeklong virtual event: Making Global Markets Accessible - Taking the Next Steps! Each day will feature market updates from U.S. Embassies around the globe, presentations on trending topics and funding resources, and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Commercial Diplomats.
 
Listen live or watch the recordings at your own pace! The sessions will offer valuable information for all levels of exporting experience. Key topics of discussion will include, but are not limited to:

  • Market Updates from Europe, Asia, and the Western Hemisphere
  • Data Privacy
  • E-Commerce
  • Trade Agreement Compliance – making trade agreements work for U.S. industry
  • Market Research Tools
  • Market Entry and Distribution Channels
  • U.S. Trade and Development Agency, Inter-American Development Bank, and State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Funding Opportunities
  • ...and more!!!

Click here to learn if the registration fee may be eligible for reimbursement by your state's STEP funding.

Check back for session descriptions, speaker profiles, and sponsor information!

 

For questions, please email Leslie Drake at: Leslie.Drake@trade.gov

Download the Registration Help Guide. If this is your first time registering for an event with the U.S. Commercial Service using our new event platform, InEvent, please follow the steps to create a new account, and then register. Need help? Contact Leslie.Drake@trade.gov.

LEARN ABOUT OUR EVENTS
We invite you to explore the wide variety of events that we offer to help U.S. companies expand their global sales.


Agenda
06
Welcome and Program Overview
Welcome and Program Overview
Welcome to our multi-day virtual conference! Meet the team, and learn how to plan your schedule to attend live sessions, download valuable program information, and finalize your one-on-one schedule with regional experts.
Start
9:00 AM
End
9:15 AM
Speakers
Leslie Drake
Lyn Doverspike
Europe Market Updates
Europe Market Updates
Hear from select markets in Europe for quick overviews of the best opportunities for export, upcoming events, challenges and key contacts for exploring this dynamic region. 
Start
9:15 AM
End
10:55 AM
Speakers
Andrea Wimpissinger
Damjan Bencic
Diederik Moreu
John Simmons
Marian Volent
Neil Pickett
Seth Oppenheim
Shannon Christenbury
William Czajkowski
Youqing Ma
Zdenek Svoboda
Break
Break
Start
10:55 AM
End
11:00 AM
Data Privacy Around The Globe
Data Privacy Around The Globe

Join ITA’s Office of Global Data Policy and Privacy to explore how data privacy laws in Europe, and around the world are impacting U.S. businesses. Discover tools to navigate the intricate landscape of international laws, regulations, and policies, including key frameworks such as the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, the Cross Border Privacy Rules System, and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Start
11:00 AM
End
12:30 PM
Speakers
Ari Ness
Dorette Coetsee
Jillian Cota
Marvin Wiley
Raisa McNab
Utilizing Grants, Funding and Export Financing
Utilizing Grants, Funding and Export Financing

Navigate the range of grants, finance tools, and insurance programs to expand your toolbox for accessing capital and boost competitiveness in the global marketplace. Hear from International Development Agencies, State, and Federal resource providers. 

 

Start
11:00 AM
End
12:30 PM
Speakers
Aerek Stephens
Barbara A. White
Edward A Schick
Kwabena Osei-Sarpong
Michael K. Jackson
Steven Garrett
Verinda Fike
Training for Virtual Networking Scheduling
Training for Virtual Networking Scheduling
Start
12:30 PM
End
12:50 PM
Speakers
Alexandra Natale
Leslie Drake
07
Welcome and Program Overview
Welcome and Program Overview
Day two! We will offer a quick review of the conference, and provide you with the tools and resources to connect with your local International Trade Specialist. Learn about the latest programs and services available to U.S. businesses. 
Start
9:00 AM
End
9:15 AM
Speakers
Leslie Drake
Asia Market Updates
Asia Market Updates
Hear from select markets in Asia for quick overviews of the best opportunities for export, upcoming events, challenges and key contacts for exploring this dynamic region. 
Start
9:15 AM
End
10:45 AM
Speakers
Brendon Thomas
Emma Santini
Frances Selema
Hong Phong Pho
James Hepburn
John Fay
Malissa Eaddy
Mia Adamowsky
Ruth Soberanes
Salwa Saba
Simon Kim
Break
Break
Start
10:45 AM
End
11:00 AM
E-Commerce Strategies
E-Commerce Strategies
Discover what a U.S. exporter needs to know to take advantage of e-commerce in international markets. Receive expert guidance for considerations and resources for developing a digital strategy.
Start
11:00 AM
End
12:30 PM
Speakers
Ava Mitzi
Debra Dudley
James Bledsoe
Utilizing Grants, Funding and Export Financing
Utilizing Grants, Funding and Export Financing
Navigate the range of grants, finance tools, and insurance programs to expand your toolbox for accessing capital and boost competitiveness in the global marketplace. Hear from International Development Agencies, State, and Federal resource providers. 
Start
11:00 AM
End
12:30 PM
Speakers
Aerek Stephens
Barbara A. White
Matt Fernandez
Michael K. Jackson
Steven Garrett
Verinda Fike
08
Welcome and Program Overview
Welcome and Program Overview
Welcome to Day 3! Learn about the upcoming sessions, and how to make the most of your one-on-one meetings.
Start
9:00 AM
End
9:15 AM
Speakers
Leslie Drake
Western Hemisphere Updates
Western Hemisphere Updates

Hear from select markets in the Western Hemisphere for quick overviews of the best opportunities for export, upcoming events, challenges and key contacts for exploring this dynamic region. 

Agenda/Speakers:

Diego Gattesco – Moderator

Eric Olson – Southern Cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay)  

Nathan Traurig - Brazil

Philip Finiello – Peru

Matthew Poole - Colombia

Timothy Cannon - Panama

Ryan Hollowell – Costa Rica

Melissa McInnis – El Salvador

Hector Maldonado – Honduras 

Antonio Prieto – Guatemala 

Santiago Davila - Mexico

John Fleming - Canada 

Start
9:15 AM
End
10:45 AM
Speakers
Antonio Prieto
Diego Gattesco
Eric Olson
Fabiana Ortega
Hector Maldonado
John Fleming
Jose Villeda
Justin Tapp
Lina Contreras
Lisa White
Melissa McInnis
Nathan Traurig
Philip Finiello
Ryan Hollowell
Santiago Davila
Timothy Cannon
Break
Break
Start
10:45 AM
End
11:00 AM
Market Research Tools Workshop
Market Research Tools Workshop

Learn about free market research tools to assist you in identifying your next market!

Start
11:00 AM
End
12:30 PM
Speakers
Joshua Erickson
Kate von Richthofen
Morgan Barr
Tobias Reynolds
Trade Agreement Compliance – making trade agreements work for U.S. industry
Trade Agreement Compliance – making trade agreements work for U.S. industry
Learn about the different Free Trade Agreements negotiated by the United States, and how to benefit from these agreements. How might your company be affected by Antidumping and/or countervailing duties? Discover how global safeguard measures work, and ensure compliance with the documentation. 
Start
11:00 AM
End
12:30 PM
Speakers
David Robeson
Enybe Diaz
John Liuzzi
Samantha Biondo
09
Welcome and Program Overview
Welcome and Program Overview
Kick off day four with a wrap up of the week so far, and some time for Q&A and open discussion! Lauch into a round of virtual networking and meetings with experts before the final sessions begin.
Start
9:00 AM
End
9:15 AM
Speakers
Leslie Drake
Virtual Networking and Meetings with Experts
Virtual Networking and Meetings with Experts
Start
9:15 AM
End
10:45 AM
Speakers
Ryan Russell
Break
Break
Start
10:45 AM
End
11:00 AM
Company perspectives on Market Entry strategies
Company perspectives on Market Entry strategies

In this session, you will hear direct from U.S. Businesses on how they entered international markets through government procurement, e-commerce, service exports, and navigating sales channels as a manufacturer. This peer learning session provides a real-world look at the successes and challenges of exporting.

Start
11:00 AM
End
12:30 PM
Speakers
Chad Remp
Justin Seibert
Mack Tadeu
Mike McCown
Market Research Tools Workshop
Market Research Tools Workshop

Learn about free market research tools to assist you in identifying your next market!

Start
11:00 AM
End
12:30 PM
Speakers
Joshua Erickson
Kate von Richthofen
Morgan Barr
Tobias Reynolds
10
Virtual Networking and Meetings with Experts
Virtual Networking and Meetings with Experts
Start
9:00 AM
End
5:00 PM
Speakers

Aerek Stephens

Export Finance Manager, Export-Import Bank of the United States

Aerek Stephens, Export Finance Manager of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Leads the Regional Export Promotion Program (REPP). The REPP program brings state, county, local, and non-profit economic development entities together with EXIM in an alliance designed to expand U.S. export sales.     

He is also lead development officer of EXIM Minority, Women and Veteran Owned Businesses Division (MWOB). They work closely with other government agencies and business development associations that provide support to all members of the underserved business community (People of color, Women, Veterans, Native American tribal groups, Members of the LGBTQ+ community, and People with disabilities). 

Aerek represents EXIM bank as an Ex-officio member of Nasbite International Board of Governors.   

Mr. Stephens is a graduate of Elizabeth City State University and has more than 20 years of banking experience. He has held leadership positions in Project Management, Relationship Management, and Lending and Collections. 

Alexandra Natale

Andrea Wimpissinger

Antonio Prieto

Ari Ness

Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Commerce

Ari Ness is a Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He started this role in 2020 as a Policy Advisor for the Global Data Policy Team under the International Trade Administration. On the Global Data Policy Team, Ari leads on data privacy and digital economy issues in the Middle East and Africa, global health data, and helps administer the Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) System.  
 
Prior to this work, Ari served as an International Trade Specialist and Administrator for the U.S.-EU Privacy Shield Team at the U.S. Department of Commerce where he received his CIPP/E certification for comprehensive GDPR knowledge.

Ava Mitzi

Business Development Manager, IBT Online

Ava is an Online Business Manager with IBT Online and in this capacity nurtures and liaises partnerships with diverse economic development agencies across the U.S. states and Canadian provinces to support exporters. After completing a Masters’ Degree in South Africa, Ava worked in the film industry, notably in film financing, and gained hands-on experience in Feature Film Production. Ava joined IBT Online in 2021 and focused on helping clients with their digital marketing and online sales growth strategies. Today, Ava’s organizational and partnership skills help clients navigate the digital landscape and choose the right business development solutions to ensure sales and brand growth internationally.

Ava has a Bachelor’s degree from Bristol University (UK) and a Master’s degree from the University of Cape Town (South Africa), and currently heads up the Canadian branch of IBT Online from Montreal.

Barbara A. White

Associate Commercial Liaison to the Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank

Barbara White serves as the Associate Commercial Liaison to the Inter-American Development Bank and World Bank with the US Commercial Service in the Advocacy Center (AC) Multilateral Development Bank Group.  She represents the interests of the U.S. Department of Commerce as she liaises between the banks and the U.S. business community with the goal of connecting U.S. companies to opportunities arising from multilateral development banks funded projects.  She has numerous years of experience in international trade, economics, commercial diplomacy, and national security.  Barbara holds an MBA in Business Finance and Management from the University of the District of Columbia and a BA in Business Administration from Elizabeth City State University.

Brendon Thomas

Chad Remp

Head of International and eCommerce Sales

Chad Remp established the eCommerce and international sales division of his family’s heavy-duty truck dealership in Wheeling, WV, in 2010, successfully expanding the company’s sales presence to all 50 states and over 100 countries worldwide. He is a recipient of the President’s E-Award for export excellence and has been honored as the West Virginia Small Business Administration (SBA) Exporter of the Year. Currently, Chad serves as the head of international and eCommerce sales for Matheny Motors, a prominent heavy-duty truck dealership group headquartered in West Virginia. Additionally, Chad holds the position of chair within the West Virginia District Export Council. 

Damjan Bencic

David Robeson

Consultant

David has worked in global trade compliance and logistics for over two decades.   Prior to joining MGTA, David led the import/export compliance program for a global manufacturer and worked as a global trade consultant for a wide variety of organizations. His background includes the creation of multiple import / export compliance programs, Commerce/State/OFAC licensing, product classifications, entry audit programs and origin/content/landed cost determinations.

David has been an active speaker in numerous areas of global trade. David is a Licensed Customs Broker, Certified ITAR Professional and holds numerous certifications in Supply Chain Management.

He is a graduate of the University of Kentucky with both a BBA and MBA in Finance.

Debra Dudley

Co-founder and President

Formerly an aspiring singer and song writer, Debra Dudley was climbing the country music charts with a series of top 40s hits, dreaming about performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. During one of her performances, Reg Dudley, her late husband, was in the audience. Instantly smitten, he became her partner in life and ultimately in business. Together they invented a collection of disposable and porcelain coated steel grilling accessories manufactured in Bonnieville, Kentucky, called Oscarware grill toppers toppers. As co-founder and president of Oscarware, Inc., Debra has now achieved stardom as an outdoor grilling guru.

Reg was a pioneer in the satellite dish industry until it imploded due to competition from cable. The first house they lived in did not have a kitchen stove. The outdoor gas grill was a great solution but made it difficult to grill certain foods so Reg placed a rectangle sheet of the expanded metal fashioned from the same material as their satellite dish on top of the grill grates. This made it possible to grill delicate fish, pizza, fresh vegetables. Little did they know this ingenious product would change outdoor grilling forever.

A close friend and member of the Grand Ole Opry, Oscar Sullivan, asked the couple to make these to sell at his Singing Hills campground located only two miles from Mammoth Cave National Park. The eponymous Oscarware grill toppers were born. Among the early enthusiasts were the famous backstage family Debra adopted at the Opry – singers Roy Acuff, Porter Wagoner and Jack Greene. Owing to their endorsement visibility exploded. Made in the
USA Oscarware products are currently available across the US -- at Walmart, Kroger, HEB, Wegmans, Publix and Albertsons – and 14 other countries thru ASDA and AAFES. The products are also available on Walmrt.com, Amazon.com, and www.oscarwareinc.com; global expansion is underway.

Debra has received national recognition from the U.S. Small Business Administration, was honored as Kentucky’s Small Businessperson of the Year, and received numerous tributes including the Kentucky SBDC Pacesetter Award. As a successful woman-owned business, she was recognized as the WBENC Southeast Woman Owned Business of the Year and was the 2024 recipient of The Gail Adinamis Wegg Award for Exemplary Global Leadership. 

Diederik Moreu

Diego Gattesco

Trade Americas Team Leader and Director, CS Wheeling, WV

Diego Gattesco serves as a Senior International Trade Specialist and Director for the U.S. Commercial Service Wheeling, International Trade Administration within the U.S. Department of Commerce. His main responsibility is to manage the U.S. Export Assistance Center located in Wheeling, WV which provides counseling and a variety of products and services to assist small and midsized U.S. businesses export their products and services. Diego was also selected in 2012 to lead the U.S. Department of Commerce's Trade Americas Global Team. This program brings together the resources of U.S. Commercial Service offices in 15 countries and State Department sections at U.S. Embassies in 9 additional markets, providing U.S. firms with a single point of access to Western Hemisphere regional trade events, services, and research covering markets throughout the region. The Trade Americas site provides information on the existing and proposed free trade agreements throughout the region, market research, trade event lists, industry-specific information, business service providers, useful links, and key contacts. 

A native of Córdoba, Argentina, Diego has experience in both public and private sector companies, with extensive international sales and representation capabilities, strong organizational and interpersonal skills, broad IT exposure, outstanding business and entrepreneurial orientation. He is a graduate of Wheeling Jesuit University's MBA Leadership program and a Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP).

Dorette Coetsee

Director, CS South Carolina

As Director for the South Carolina division of the U.S. Commercial Service—a U.S. Department of Commerce agency under the International Trade Administration—Dorette leads a team of experienced trade professionals to help small- and medium-sized local businesses successfully compete in foreign markets. Leveraging a global network of offices in 108 U.S. cities and in over 75 countries, Dorette coordinates export consulting, foreign market research, overseas business-to-business matchmaking, and diplomatic support for South Carolinian exporters. Dorette has expertise in exporting to the European market and, at the invitation of local development agencies and trade associations, often conducts seminars on marketing, finding new markets, and doing business in the U.S. She also serves as the executive secretary to the South Carolina District Export Council. 

A native of South Africa, Dorette accumulated over 15 years of consulting experience prior to joining the Commercial Service in the June of 2008. Prior, Dorette served as Director of Trade Development and Operations for ECI–Find New Markets, a market research firm. There, she focused on creating international trade strategies for small- and medium-sized businesses, as well as on business cluster development for economic development agencies. Before joining ECI–Find New Markets, she served as a business analyst and account manager for the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa, in Johannesburg. 

Dorette holds an M.B.A. from the University of South Carolina as well as both a B.Sc. (Ag.) and a B.Sc.(Hons.)Ag. from the University of Pretoria.

Edward A Schick

Export Finance Manager – PA, DE and Southern OH, U.S. Small Business Administration

Ed joined the Office of International Trade team in October 2021. Prior to joining the SBA, he had a 25+ year career in international banking and financing. Starting out in private banking, Ed then joined a bank in Connecticut and was part of the Latin America team offering ExIm Bank’s foreign buyer product. Then Ed joined PNC in Pittsburgh where he, again, was part of the trade finance group offering ExIm’s foreign buyer program. During his tenure at PNC, he traveled extensively throughout Latin America. Ed worked with foreign buyers in segments such as heavy equipment, medical equipment and US franchises, among others. Prior to joining the SBA, Ed worked at a regional bank marketing different trade finance programs, including a Mexico platform that consisted of a Mexican medium-sized bank, the Export Credit Agency of Mexico and local financing entities. Joining the SBA, Ed is the Export Finance Manager based in Pittsburgh-PA and is responsible for promoting the programs to businesses and lenders in Pennsylvania, Delaware and southern Ohio. Ed is fluent in Portuguese and proficient in Spanish.

Emma Santini

Enybe Diaz

International Trade Specialist, CS Rural Export Center

Enybe Diaz has been with the U.S. Commercial Center since last Fall.

Prior to joining the U.S. Commercial Service, Enybe Diaz served as an International Trade Manager for the West Virginia Department of Economic Development for 10 years and acted as the director of the West Virginia State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). During her time with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, Diaz organized trade missions to Mexico, Canada, China, Japan, UAE, South Korea, Poland and Romania.

Before her roles in government, Diaz worked for a small business Maggie’s Salsa in West Virginia where she was mainly responsible for acquiring new supermarket accounts. Prior to moving to the United States in 2009, Diaz worked as an Import Coordinator for a supermarket chain and as an International Sales Representative for a manufacturer of fruit concentrates. She also spent a year in Valence, France teaching Spanish to high school students and studying French.

Diaz is originally from Mexico where she obtained a degree in International Business from Tecnologico de Monterrey in Culiacan, Sinaloa.

Enybe is passionate about promoting U.S. exports by creating awareness of the benefits of exporting and helping companies increase sales to overseas markets.

Eric Olson

Regional Senior Commercial Officer @ U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires

Experienced Commercial Officer with a demonstrated history of working in international trade and commercial diplomacy, mostly in Latin America. Skilled in negotiation, policy analysis, business development, consulting, government, and international business. Strong diplomat with a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations with a focus on international trade and economics from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Relations and German from the University of Denver.

Fabiana Ortega

Frances Selema

Asia Global Team Leader and Senior International Trade Specialist, CS Central North Carolina

Frances Selema is currently serving as the Asia Global Team Leader, managing a team of over 200 to develop enterprise-wide knowledge and awareness on the dynamic Asia region, while delivering innovative programs and events for U.S. exporters targeting sales across the region.  Frances has also served as an International Trade Specialist in North Carolina for the past 18 years, focusing on assisting companies in the energy and environmental industries.  Frances has an educational background in International Business from Auburn University and North Carolina State University.  Frances lives in North Carolina with her husband,  three children and rescue dog, and enjoys swimming and outdoor adventures.

Hector Maldonado

Commercial Officer @ U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa

Hector M. Maldonado is the Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa where he leads commercial diplomacy & advocacy efforts in Honduras. Mr. Maldonado joined the U.S. & Foreign Commercial Service in 2015 and has previously served tours at the U.S. Embassies in Beijing and Brasilia. He started his Department of Commerce career in Washington, D.C. in 2010. Previously, during a professional career spanning over 20 years, Mr. Maldonado has worked in sales, finance, and international general management roles at Fortune 100 companies within the pharmaceutical sector. His experience includes work in director level roles at companies such as Cardinal Health and Merck & Co., Inc. Early in his career, Mr. Maldonado served as a commissioned officer in the United States Army reaching the rank of Captain. Mr. Maldonado has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in Finance from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.

Hong Phong Pho

James Bledsoe

Senior International Trade Specialist @ US Commercial Service, US Strategy & Innovation Group

James Bledsoe is the Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce- U.S. Commercial Service’s eCommerce Solutions Center (ESC), based out of Tacoma Washington.  James is a U.S. Air Force veteran (’99-’10) and holds a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies (JSIS), where his focus was China’s heavy and light industries and market access; James also holds an undergraduate degree (B.A.) in Political Science and China Studies from Washington State University. 

The eCommerce Solutions Center (ESC) is an office within the U.S. Department of Commerce's U.S. Commercial Service, that focuses on advancing the expertise and knowledge of cross-border ecommerce and digital strategy among all U.S. small and medium-sized businesses.  Visit https://www.trade.gov/ecommerce for more information.

James Hepburn

Jillian Cota

International Trade Specialist, Office of Global Data Policy and Privacy, U.S. Department of Commerce

Jillian (Jill) Cota serves as an International Trade Specialist within the Office of Global Data Policy and Privacy at the International Trade Administration. In her role, Jill oversees and administers the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, and assists in navigating additional data protection issues within the European Union region. Jill obtained her master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University, as well as, bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Economics from Arizona State University. Beyond her contributions at ITA, Jill is an active member of the NextGen Initiative at Foreign Policy for America. Here, she lends her insights to both the Cyber and Tech Working Group, and the Diplomacy and Human Rights Working Group, further solidifying her commitment to shaping global policies around data protection and privacy for all consumers.

John Fay

John Fleming

Deputy Senior Commercial Officer - CS Canada

John Liuzzi

Director, Office of Trade Agreements Negotiations and Compliance (TANC)

Mr. Liuzzi is director of the Trade Agreements Negotiations and Compliance (TANC) Office  in ITA’s Enforcement and Compliance unit. His office is responsible for monitoring and seeking foreign government compliance with the multilateral, regional, and bilateral trade agreements to which the United States is party, focusing on non-tariff barriers both at and behind the border. Trade barrier areas under TANC I jurisdiction include customs matters (including valuation, general rules of origin, and import licensing); government procurement; and government-market interaction in areas such as industrial subsidies, competition policy, and labor matters. TANC then uses its trade barrier expertise and compliance evidence to advocate for strong, enforceable disciplines during the negotiation of new U.S. trade agreements and related undertakings.

John Simmons

Jose Villeda

Joshua Erickson

Program Manager, CS Rural Export Center

With more than six years of experience with international market research, Joshua was a founding member of the Rural Export Center (REC) team and brings an intimate knowledge of the REC and Commercial Service to support rural U.S. companies around the country. As Program Manager of the Rural Export Center, Joshua oversees the fulfillment and delivery of international market research, website globalization reviews, and company background research as well as nationwide training seminars and the Export Management Company Directory. Since its inception, the Rural Export Center has provided customized market research and training to companies from 33 states, helping them target 50+ industries in more than 80 countries.

Having grown up in Northern Idaho, Joshua feels a strong connection to rural America and has previously worked in tree care, landscaping, farming, automotive repair, and food service. He became interested in international relations and business after spending two years in Mexico on a mission for his church. This led to a BA in Latin American Studies from Brigham Young University and an MBA from North Dakota State University.  He and his wife live in Fargo, ND with their four children.

Justin Seibert

President, Direct Online Marketing

Justin Seibert is founder and President of Direct Online Marketing, a Premier Google Partner and Inc. 5000 fastest growing company. DOM has helped clients on every populated continent grow their businesses through digital advertising and marketing since 2006.  Justin has three times been named a top 25 most influential expert in search for speaking at conferences throughout the world.  He serves on the WV District Export Council, has been recognized by the WV Small Business Administration as Exporter of the Year, and received the Export Achievement Certificate from the U.S. Department of Commerce.   Connect on LinkedIn to talk digital marketing or exporting!

Justin Tapp

Kate von Richthofen

International Trade Specialist, Office of Industry Engagement, International Trade Administration

Kate von Richthofen created the International Trade Administration’s new the Top Export Market Rankings program predicting which international markets are best primed for export success. Kate works with industry specialists in ITA’s Industry and Analysis unit to use industry-specific data to calculate these rankings. In addition to Top Export Market Rankings, Kate heads up Industry & Analysis’ customer experience initiatives, using voice of customer feedback to inform internal planning and process improvements. She looks forward to hearing your impressions of ITA and the TEMR program so she can continue honing the tools to best meet your needs! Prior to joining ITA in 2018, Kate was the Director of Assessments and Special Projects at BoardSource, a nonprofit organization focused on inspiring and supporting nonprofit boards and executives to lead justly and with purpose. Outside of the office, Kate applies her project management skills to expanding her vegetable garden and promoting the growth of Parkrun USA. Her home parkrun is College Park parkrun, in College Park, Maryland.

Kwabena Osei-Sarpong

Founder and CEO of RIFE International

Kwabena Osei-Sarpong is the founder and CEO of RIFE International, an award-winning energy efficiency, sustainability, and renewable energy firm headquartered in Washington DC Metro Area, with international offices in West and South Africa. Recognized as a clean energy and sustainability thought leader, Mr. Osei-Sarpong is dedicated to global improvement through innovation, philanthropy, and green technology. With expertise in climate-change solutions, he has led RIFE International to serve high-profile clients in the United States and Africa. Additionally, Mr. Osei-Sarpong has consulted for the White House Council on Environmental Quality and serves on advisory councils including President Biden's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa and the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee. Acknowledged for his leadership, he has received numerous awards, including the Maryland International Leadership Award and Washington Business Journal's 40 under 40. Mr. Osei-Sarpong holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Radford University, a Master's Degree from Georgetown University in Sustainability, and executive leadership education from Harvard Business School. He also serves as a Master Leadership Coach with the Skinner Leadership Institute and is actively involved in philanthropic initiatives in the United States and Africa.

Leslie Drake

Director, U.S. Commercial Service West Virginia

Lina Contreras

Lisa White

Commercial Attaché @ U.S. Embassy Bogota

Lisa White joined the Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) in 2020 and is currently Commercial Attaché at U.S. Embassy Bogota. She manages FCS services to assist U.S. businesses develop their export sales in Colombia and SelectUSA for Colombian investments in the United States. Her prior posting was at the U.S. Export Assistance Center in Seattle where she advised Washington businesses on how to grow international sales and developed special programs to accelerate women-owned businesses.

Lisa has more than 15 years of combined federal service with experience at three previous agencies. Previous roles include the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) where she worked as an Economic Development Specialist and Public Information Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) where she worked as an Immigration Services Officer, and the U.S. Peace Corps where she worked as a Regional Recruiter. Prior to that, she served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guinea and Mali in West Africa where she supported small business development and developed French proficiency.

Lisa graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BS in Business Administration with a focus on marketing and communications.

Lyn Doverspike

Mack Tadeu

Managing Director, BlueWave Merchant Partners

Prior to joining the BlueWave team, Mack was the Deputy Director of the Trade Advocacy Center at the Department of Commerce (2012-2020). Prior to that, he was a career diplomat with the U.S. Commercial Service and assigned to U.S. Embassies in Chile (2003-2007), Brazil (1995-1999), Panama (1993-1995) and Mexico (1991-1993).

During his assignments at Main Commerce in Washington, D.C., he was the Director of the Office of Strategic Planning (2011), the U.S. Commercial Liaison at the Inter-American Development Bank (2008-2010), the Regional Director of the East Asia Pacific Region (2002), and the Senior Advisor to the US&FCS Director General (1999-2001).

Mack speaks Spanish and Portuguese fluently, is married, has three grown children, and lives in Maryland.

Malissa Eaddy

Marian Volent

Marvin Wiley

Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Commerce

Marvin Wiley Jr. is a Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Commerce. He started this role in 2023 as a Policy Advisor for the Global Data Policy Team under the International Trade Administration. On the Global Data Policy Team, Marvin leads on data privacy and digital economy issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, global health data, and helps administer the Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) System.   
 
  
Prior to this work, Marvin worked as a Senior Programs Associate at the Council of the Americas for years where he managed programs and projects that support private sector led sustainable economic development and democracy in the Western Hemisphere. Marvin produced research and analysis that examined trade, energy and digital economy challenges and opportunities in Latin America and the Caribbean. He has previously lived, worked and conducted research in Chile and Colombia. 

Matt Fernandez

Chief Administrative Officer, Contiem F|K|A Orbis Technologies

Matt Fernandez has been with Contiem F|K|A Orbis Technologies for almost 12 years, serving in various executive positions including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and currently as the Chief Administrative Officer.  He brings 29 years of experience in business management, mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance. In his time at Contiem, Mr. Fernandez led the successful acquisitions of RSI Content Solutions, InfoPros, Innovasys and Mekon and held a focus on profitability, resulting in growth in both top-line revenue and overall profitability.

Mr. Fernandez previously served as Chief Financial Officer for the New Jersey Region of Ryan Homes, a division of NVR, Inc., one of the largest homebuilders in the nation, with over $3 billion in annual revenue. There he developed the company’s business operating plan for the New Jersey region, with average revenue of over $150 million.

Prior to NVR, Mr. Fernandez worked as a Finance Manager for Visteon Corporation and Ford Motor Company with an emphasis on Mergers & Acquisitions, Financial Reporting, and Product Financial Management.

Mr. Fernandez has served in the United States Navy as Surface Warfare Officer within the Combat Systems Department. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree in Finance and Marketing from the University of Illinois and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Melissa McInnis

Melissa McInnis was assigned as the new Senior Commercial Officer in El Salvador as of August 2021. 

Melissa was previously assigned to the Portland Oregon U.S. Export Assistance Center focused on helping companies in Oregon and SW Washington succeed in international markets. She was also the representative for the domestic field in the U.S. Department of Commerce 5G Working Group.  From 2016-2019, Melissa was posted to Sao Paulo, Brazil and served as one of 12 Digital Attaché’s worldwide. Her work in this area led to the creation of a Digital Economy Working Group within the U.S.- Brazil Commercial Dialogue, success in removing data localization requirements, the prevention of country specific cybersecurity standards, and the removal of the most onerous requirements within Brazil’s data privacy law. Melissa also paved the way for greater cooperation with the Brazilian military and national security leads on cybersecurity through several high-level workshops with the NIST Cybersecurity Framework team.  From 2014-2016, Melissa was posted to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where she had the pleasure of working on a Presidential visit and was the control officer for the U.S. Trade Representative.

Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, Melissa served as Trade Commissioner for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at the Canadian Consulate General in Chicago, specializing in R&D partnerships and investment.  As Vice Consul with UK Trade & Investment at the British Consulate General in Chicago she consulted with US and UK companies on international expansion and investment, largely focused on high value job creation and R&D investments.

Mia Adamowsky

Michael K. Jackson

Sr. International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service Maryland

Michael K. Jackson currently serves as a Sr. International Trade Specialist at the Baltimore office of the U.S. Commercial Service - the export promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. 

Immediately prior to joining Commercial Service-Maryland, Mr. Jackson served as the Lead Business Development Officer in the Minority and Women-Owned Business (MWOB) Outreach Group at the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), America’s official export credit agency. In that capacity he was responsible for export finance education, training, outreach, and partnerships with veteran, minority, and women-owned businesses, associations, and organizations. 

Prior to his role at EXIM, Mr. Jackson previously served as a Business Development Specialist & District International Trade Officer (DITO) with the Baltimore District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) where he focused on outreach to veteran-owned businesses as well as small businesses interested in doing business globally.  

Prior to beginning his career with the U.S. federal government, Mr. Jackson spent over a decade in the private sector and held sales and marketing positions with several Fortune 500 corporations in the banking and IT/telecom industry sectors. In addition to his government and past corporate experience, Mr. Jackson also has an extensive track record of entrepreneurship in health & wellness and professional speaking. 

Mr. Jackson earned an MBA in International Business from American Intercontinental University (Atlanta, GA) and a B.S. in Government & Politics with an International Relations concentration from the University of Maryland Global Campus (Heidelberg, Germany).  He also holds several professional certifications, including the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP). He is a husband, a proud father of four daughters and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

Mike McCown

Owner

Mike McCown is a graduate of West Virginia University in Industrial Engineering.

He and his wife, Tera, of thirty years, have two daughters. Mike started Industrial Bolting Technologies, Inc. (IBT) in January of 2003. IBT became known as the local leader and supplier for hydraulic torque equipment. Prior to 2009, the bulk of IBT’s hydraulic tools were imported from Asia. Recognizing that a quality-designed tool manufactured in the U.S.A. was essential for industry growth, Mike began transforming IBT from an equipment vendor to a full-blown manufacturer of innovative hydraulic torque equipment. In 2008, he hired his first mechanical engineer and purchased two CNC machines. His vision came to fruition in 2013, when IBT’s first hydraulic torque wrench was manufactured in-house, start to finish. In that same year, he created TorsionX, the brand name of his hydraulic torque tools. IBT is an ISO 9001 accredited manufacturer and ISO 17025 accredited for calibrations. Over the last two decades, TorsionX has evolved into a full line CNC machine shop with 30+ employees that sells its products both domestically and in over 35 countries worldwide.

 

 

Morgan Barr

Senior International Economist, Office of Trade Negotiations and Analysis

Morgan Barr is a Senior International Economist in the International Trade Administration’s Industry and Analysis bureau in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Her work has included several Free Trade Agreement and WTO negotiations; coordination of the Miscellaneous Tariff Bills process; and leading the development of data-driven, market research tools for use by ITA staff and clients, particularly the Market Diversification Tool.

Nathan Traurig

Neil Pickett

Philip Finiello

Commercial Officer @ U.S. Embassy Lima

Philip has been with the U.S. Commercial Service since May 2015.  Prior to his current posting in Lima, he was stationed at the U.S. Consulate-General in Istanbul, 2018-2021.  Prior to that he was attached to the U.S. Export Assistance Center in San Diego, CA.  He has held a number of positions encompassing commercial promotion and trade policy, including Sr. Manager for European Affairs with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Sr. Trade Policy Advisor with the British Embassy (Washington DC) and Business Development Associate with the British Consulate-General (Chicago, IL).  He has also worked for state and local government in New York spanning budget analysis, human resource development and legislative research.  Philip has a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, both from the University at Albany, New York.

Raisa McNab

Chief Executive Officer, Association of Translation Companies

Raisa McNab is Chief Executive Officer at the Association of Translation Companies, the leading trade association for language services companies in the UK whose 230 members provide translation and interpreting services to businesses across the globe in over 300 languages.

Raisa builds commercial collaborations between the language services industry and global businesses, facilitating international trade and communications. She is an expert in data privacy and GDPR for small and medium-sized businesses and has participated in GDPR implementation research projects and initiatives with the European Union and ICO, the UK’s data protection authority.

Ruth Soberanes

Ryan Hollowell

Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy Costa Rica

Ryan Russell

Salwa Saba

Samantha Biondo

Director, Trade Remedy Compliance Staff, U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA), Enforcement & Compliance (E&C)

Samantha Biondo serves as the Director of the Trade Remedy Compliance Staff at the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) in the Enforcement & Compliance unit (E&C).  This office monitors the trade remedy actions of foreign government authorities.  Samantha leads work liaising with domestic and international stakeholders on foreign trade remedy proceedings, engages in negotiations and technical exchanges with foreign counterparts on trade remedy matters, and represents Commerce at the relevant World Trade Organization (WTO) Committees.  

Samantha previously served as a Member of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff, focused on developing long-term strategy on international trade and economic policy.  Prior to that, Samantha served as attaché at the U.S. Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland from 2017 - 2022.  In this capacity, she was the Geneva representative to the Committees on Antidumping Practices, Subsidies and Countervailing Measures, Safeguards, Customs Valuation, Pre-shipment Inspection, Import Licensing, and Rules of Origin.  Samantha also served as the Commerce lead in Geneva for the Rules Negotiations on Fisheries Subsidies Disciplines.  

Prior to moving to Geneva, Samantha served as Director of Communications and Senior Policy Advisor to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for E&C.  She also served in the Office of the United States Trade Representative and as a Brookings Legislative Fellow to the Trade Subcommittee of the Committee on Ways and Means of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Samantha earned her Master’s degree in Public & International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh and her Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Lafayette College.  Samantha and her family live in the Washington, D.C. area.

Santiago Davila

Seth Oppenheim

Shannon Christenbury

Global Europe Team Leader and Director, CS Greenville, SC

Shannon Christenbury is the Europe Global Team Leader and Director for the U.S. Commercial Service’s U.S. Export Assistance Center in Greenville, South Carolina.  In her capacity as Europe Team leader, Christenbury manages a team of 200 Commercial Service members in the United States and across Europe, spanning across the EU to Eastern Europe.  As Director of the Greenville, South Carolina office, Christenbury manages a portfolio of over 250 companies in the upstate that are actively exporting. While helping all companies in the area, Shannon specializes in automotive, smart mobility, and safety and security industries.  Beginning her career in 2003, Shannon has provided export assistance to small and medium sized companies including export planning and process and locating qualified overseas buyers.  In addition, she helps coordinate export promotion outreach with the U.S. business community as well as the federal, state, and local trade partners.  Shannon has an education background in International Business and International Studies with degrees from University of North Carolina, Charlotte. In her free time, Shannon pursues her love of painting, and is married, has one son, Colten, and a one-eyed dog named Willie.

Simon Kim

Steven Garrett

Regional Manager, International Trade Administration’s Advocacy Center

Steven Garrett is a Regional Manager at the International Trade Administration’s Advocacy Center covering Qatar and Saudi Arabia.  The Advocacy Center is principally responsible for assisting U.S. companies win international government tenders by leveraging the resources of the U.S. government.  Prior to working with the Advocacy Center Mr. Garrett served as an International Trade Specialist at the International Trade Administration’s U.S. Export Assistance Center in Houston, Texas assisting U.S. exporters identify and engage global export opportunities.  Mr. Garrett began his career at the International Trade Administration as the Desk Officer covering Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.  In that position he served as the policy expert for trade related matters in his assigned area. 

Timothy Cannon

Commercial Officer @ U.S. Embassy Panama

Timothy Cannon has been with the Department of Commerce since 2003. Prior to joining the Commercial Service, Tim was a Marine at the barracks in Washington, D.C. where he served as a Presidential Honor Guard. After the Marines he worked as a Personal Protection Officer. He then pursued a career in sales with Gallo Winery, Miller Brewing, and Red Bull. After the beverage business, Tim accepted a position with an aerospace company and while attending the Paris and Australian Airshows, Tim utilized the services of the Commercial Service. He was impressed with their assistance and decided to return to the service of the government as a Commercial Officer himself. Since then, Tim has served in Fargo, North Dakota on a domestic tour, Russia, Vietnam, and Saudi Arabia and will be in Panama for the next four years.  

Tobias Reynolds

International Economist, U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration

Tobias Reynolds is an International Economist at the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, where he covers tool development, supply chains, and U.S.-China trade. He earned an MA in International Finance and Economics from Brandeis University and hails from Norwich, Vermont.

Verinda Fike

Regional Director for the Indo-Pacific, U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA

Verinda Fike serves as the Regional Director for the Indo-Pacific for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), where she is responsible for developing the agency’s strategy, infrastructure project preparation activities, and innovative public-private partnerships throughout the region. 

Ms. Fike has traveled and worked in over 50 countries and has managed projects in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Ms. Fike began her career at USTDA in 2010, and previously served as Country Manager for Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and for East Asia.  Prior to joining USTDA, Ms. Fike consulted U.S. private sector and USAID overseas missions on creating effective public-private partnerships in developing and emerging economies. She also spent three years in China managing patient relations and marketing for several women’s health clinics in cooperation with Johns Hopkins Hospital. 

Ms. Fike holds a Master of Science in Foreign Service and a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, as well as a B.A. from the University of Colorado in International Affairs and Mandarin Chinese.

William Czajkowski

Youqing Ma

Zdenek Svoboda