Saturday, September 26

2:30-4:30PM | NEI Committee Meeting 

Capitol D

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

Capitol EF

Sunday, September 27

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

Capitol E

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

Capitol E

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

Capitol E

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

Capitol E

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

Capitol FG

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

Capitol Reg B

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

Capitol Foyer

Monday, September 28

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

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

Capitol Reg B

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

Capitol DE

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

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

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

Capitol DE

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

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

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

Capitol DE

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

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

10:00-10:15AM | Break

Foyer

10:15-10:45AM | Session

Capitol DE

10:45-11:15AM | Session

Capitol DE

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

Capitol DE

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

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

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

Capitol FG

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

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

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

1:15-1:30PM | Transition Break

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

Capitol DE

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

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

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

2:00-2:30PM |  Session

Capitol DE

2:30-3:00PM | Session

Capitol DE

3:00-3:45PM | Session

Capitol DE

3:45-4:00PM | Break

Foyer

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

Capitol DE

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

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

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

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

Capitol DE

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

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

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

5:15PM | Closing Announcements

Capitol DE

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

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

Capitol HJ

5:30PM | Dinner on Your Own

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Tuesday, September 29

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

Capitol Reg B

7:30-8:00AM | Breakfast*

Capitol FG

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

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

Capitol FG

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

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

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

9:00-9:15AM | PAC

Capitol FG

Final PAC Raffles

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

Moderators:

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

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

Capitol Hill

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

5:00-7:00PM | Congressional Reception

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

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

Wednesday, September 30

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

Capitol FG

12:00-1:00PM | Lunch

Capitol FG

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

Capitol FG

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

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

Speaker/Moderator Bios
 

Kim Calicott

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

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

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

Nicole Bivens Collinson

Nicole Bivens Collinson leads the International Trade and Government relations practice of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., and serves as managing principal of the Washington, D.C. office.  She is also a member of the Firm's Operating Committee. Ms. Collinson has appeared on MSNBC, NPR and BBC Worldwide as a subject matter expert and has over 35 years of experience in government, public affairs, and lobbying.  She has drafted and guided the successful implementation of several pieces of key international trade legislation positively affecting the bottom line of many U.S. companies.  She is the lead professional on ST&R's engagement as Legislative Advisor to the National Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA).

Dave Corn

Dave Corn is the Executive Vice President at Comstock & Holt, beginning his drawback career in 2011.

Mr. Corn was selected to take an active role for the trade in the Trade Support Network’s Drawback Working Group, leading efforts to write new regulations for drawback through the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015 and to support the development and transition of drawback to the Automated Commercial Environment. David currently serves as the vice chair for the NCBFAA’s Drawback Subcommittee, as the co-chair for AAEI’s Drawback and Duty Deferral Committee, and he represents the New York/New Jersey region as a member of the board to the NCBFAA. In January 2022, Mr. Corn was appointed to the 16th term of the Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee (COAC). In January 2024 he was reappointed to serve on the 17th term of COAC where he was selected by CBP and his peers to be the COAC Trade lead.

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

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

Ashley Craig

Ashley Craig, chair of Venable's International Trade Group, advises clients on a wide range of domestic and international regulatory compliance matters. Ashley advises both domestic and international companies on transactional matters and cross-border legal, regulatory, and policy concerns, concentrating on export controls, economic sanctions, technology transfers, customs compliance, and transportation (all modes) regulation. In addition to serving clients before executive branch agencies and congressional committees, he also represents them in shipping- and logistics-related, foreign investment, and economic regulation matters.

Ashley's practice covers all aspects of corporate governance and related compliance, including trade sanctions, export controls, and anti-bribery and corruption standards. With a practical approach to corporate compliance, he recognizes the importance of understanding business priorities while ensuring legal and regulatory compliance. Ashley's experience includes matters arising under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and related corruption issues on a global scale and with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). His work entails internal investigations, due diligence activities, opinion requests from federal agencies, voluntary self-disclosures, auditing, and compliance training.

Ashley is well versed in supply chain governance, with an emphasis on transparency, due diligence, and security. He has focused on U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) Withhold Release Orders (WROs) and, more recently, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), which requires companies to take measures preventing forced labor in supply chains. Ashley's approach leverages a command of the law coupled with practical engagement with the U.S. government agencies enforcing UFLPA.

Ashley regularly assists clients with U.S. export controls and economic sanctions on a proactive basis through internal compliance efforts and before federal agencies, such as the Department of State, Department of the Treasury, Department of Commerce (DOC), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Justice (DOJ).

He also represents clients before foreign governments and international organizations, such as the European Commission (EC), the UK Parliament and ministries, numerous ministries and offices of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Customs Organization (WCO).

Ashley's relevant legislative experience includes, in part, the SAFE Port Act of 2006, the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA), the Trade Act of 2002, and numerous miscellaneous trade and tariff bills addressing temporary duty elimination and reduction for U.S. importers, as well as implementation regulations before the competent agencies.

His understanding of the regulatory, legislative, and commercial issues affecting international concerns, such as transport and logistics, translates into practical solutions for those involved with global commerce and trade. Additionally, Ashley is familiar with the various regulatory agencies that oversee trade, transportation, and homeland security issues.

Karen Damon

Karen Damon is Vice President, Regulatory Compliance at Mohawk Global Logistics. As a licensed Customs Broker, Certified Customs Specialist and Certified Export Specialist, Karen has extensive experience and knowledge in customs brokerage and regulatory affairs, providing leadership and guidance to enhance operational compliance.       

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

Leah Ellis

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

Michael Lahar

Michael Lahar is the Regulatory Affairs Manager for A.N. Deringer, Inc.  He began working in the field of international trade and Customs in 1987, obtained his Customs brokers license in 1990 and joined the Deringer family in 1997. Mike has corporate oversight of Customs and Regulatory Affairs as well as Deringer’s FDA Agent Program, USCMA Program, and the Bond Department.  He is a recognized industry leader in matters regarding “Partner Government Agencies” (PGA) and chairs the Regulatory Agencies Committee (RAC) for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA).  Mike has participated in numerous forums in support of streamlined trade and has testified before Congress. He speaks regularly as well as providing training concerning CBP and PGA matters. 

Adam Lees

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

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

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

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

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

Jenette Prince

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

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

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

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

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

Rich Roche

Rich Roche has worked in the NVOCC field for the last 32 years in Syracuse NY where he is currently Senior Vice President at Mohawk Global Logistics.  He also supports the forwarding industry nationally through NCBFAA where he is Chairman of the NVOCC sub-committee. He served on three of the FMC’s Innovation Teams covering supply chain and detention & demurrage issues. He previously worked at Hapag-Lloyd, and as a licensed marine cargo insurance broker in Manhattan. Rich is a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY where he received a bachelor’s degree in Nautical Science & Marine Transportation and was commissioned in the United States Naval Reserve.  During his seagoing career, Rich sailed as deck officer aboard breakbulk ships, oil tankers, ro/ro’s and containerships, upgrading his license to Chief Mate of vessels any gross tons upon oceans and First Class Pilot on the Upper Bay of NY Harbor. Rich regularly appears as an expert witness in maritime related cases that include cargo claims, documentation, and contract disputes. Rich recently completed a four-year term serving on the National Shippers Advisory Committee to the FMC. Rich has also been admitted as a Non-Attorney Practitioner at the FMC.

Kurt Schenkemeyer

Kurt Schenkemeyer is the Director of Systems Operations and Compliance at Argents Express Group. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Kurt brings a comprehensive suite of technical and strategic skills to the leadership team. He oversees export compliance, drives operational efficiencies, and spearheads the development of company policy. In addition to managing complex regulatory requirements, Kurt provides expert consultancy to clients navigating the global trade landscape.

Kurt currently serves as a Director and Chairman of the International Air Cargo Association of Chicago (IACAC). He is an active contributor to various committees within the Chicago Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association (CCBFA) and the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). He is also a member of the Airforwarders Association (AFA).

Theresa Smedley

Theresa Smedley is the Investigations Branch Director (DIB) in the Division of Northeast Imports (DNEI) under the Office of Import Operations (OIO) in the Office of Inspections and Investigations (OII).  In this position she oversees all investigational operations in DNEI.  She has been in this position since March 2022.  She was involved in the development of and has been one of two DIBs overseeing the nationwide FDA ImportShield Program since its implementation in August 2025.  Prior to this, she was a supervisor in DNEI for ten years.  DNEI is home to one of the busiest ports for FDA regulated goods as well as the busiest International Mail Facility in the country.  Before becoming a supervisor, she spent nine years as a Consumer Safety Officer in Baltimore conducting work mostly in the Import Operations and Food Programs. She has a B.S. in Biological Sciences from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.