Laura Dawson, director of the Canada Institute at the Wilson Center, will join the Amazon Web Services Institute as Americas director in October, she said in a Sept. 6 email.
Nixon Peabody hired John Sandweg, who was acting director of ICE in 2014, the law firm said in a news release. Sandweg most recently worked at Frontier Solutions, an "investigatory, compliance, due diligence, and crisis management firm he founded," the firm said. The law firm also brought on others from Frontier: counsel Rachel Winkler, associate Catherine Ingram, legal assistant Tracey Ford, and investigative directors Jerry Robinette and Miguel Unzueta. That team will be part of Nixon Peabody's new Cross-Border Risks team, it said. "The team comprises former Department of Homeland Security officials, federal investigators, regulators, law enforcement executives, and government affairs professionals who specialize in national security, immigration, Homeland Security compliance, cross-border regulatory, and international criminal matters," the firm said. "They provide valuable legal, regulatory, and reputational risks insight and counsel to help their clients build strong programs, handle crises, and manage risk on issues including anti-money laundering matters, import/export control, international sanctions work, and immigration for high-net-worth, global business leaders."
UPS President of Global Customs Brokerage Jeff McCorstin joined the board of directors for Good360, an organization that partners "with socially responsible companies to source highly needed goods and distribute them through our network of diverse nonprofits that support people in need," Good360 said in a news release. Bob Schwartz, chairman of the board at Good360, said McCorstin's "extensive experience in international air and ocean freight, cross-border trade, and customs brokerage operations will elevate our capabilities in moving donated goods within and beyond United States borders, extending the collective impact of Good360 and our partners."
American Apparel and Footwear Association CEO Rick Helfenbein will step down Dec. 31, and Executive Vice President Stephen Lamar will become the association’s president and CEO. Helfenbein led AAFA for four years, and the organization pointed to the addition of travel goods to the Generalized System of Preferences as one of the policy victories he achieved. "Rick has led us through some of the most disruptive periods in recent memory -- from the disastrous border adjustment tax to today's trade war with one of our most important trading partners. Throughout this time, he has advised the industry with charm and wit," Chairman Gary Simmons said in a press release announcing the leadership change. "At the same time, we are very excited to promote Stephen Lamar to the role of President and CEO. Many in the industry and policymaking community have grown to depend on Stephen's expertise on how policies impact the industry. His foresight of potential risks and opportunities is unmatched."
Maggie Henkin, who previously worked on Asia trade policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, was hired by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) as manager, public advocacy, CompTIA said in a news release. Henkin will "focus primarily on international trade and federal issues," the association said. CompTIA also hired Juhi Tariq, previously with Raytheon, Senior Manager, International Trade Regulation and Compliance.
Jon Kent, a lobbyist with Kent & O'Connor who has represented National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America for more than 30 years, will retire before the end of the year. "Jon has been an outstanding advocate for the NCBFAA and his shoes will be big ones to fill," NCBFAA President Amy Magnus stated in an email announcing the move. "During his long tenure with the association, he has demonstrated his ability to properly counsel, cajole and guide officers and committee chairs of NCBFAA, all with different management and leadership styles. We wish Jon the best in this next chapter for him and his family."
Tom Gould is joining Flexport as its vice president of customs and trade advisory, Flexport said in a blog post. “Tom is joining Flexport to help it scale its trade advisory services, spanning tariff mitigation, classification services, duty saving and deferment strategies, plus more,” a Flexport spokeswoman said in an emailed statement. “Tom is joining at a pivotal time as Flexport’s clients navigate Twitter diplomacy and face an increasingly uncertain business environment.” Gould was previously with Sandler Travis, where he was senior director-customs and international trade.
Amy Karpel was sworn in as an International Trade Commission commissioner on Aug. 26, the ITC said in a news release. She was confirmed Aug. 1 by the Senate for a term that expires June 16, 2023.
Ted Murphy is joining Sidley Austin as a partner in its global arbitration, trade and advocacy practice, the law firm said in a press release. Murphy, a customs lawyer, was previously with Baker & McKenzie (see 1908220041).
Adrienne Braumiller and George Alfonso will offer trade-related lobbying through a new lobbying firm founded by the pair, Braumiller said in an Aug. 26 email. Braumiller, who started the Braumiller Law Group, and Alfonso, who also founded The Law Offices of S. George Alfonso, said the two will partner to create a new lobbying firm called Reigncore. The pair "have combined their unique talents and experiences in international trade and artful persuasion to form the cornerstone of Reigncore, in order to provide the consulting and lobbying services best suited for each client’s specific objectives and goals," Braumiller said in the email. Alfonso will be president and Braumiller will be CEO, though neither will "provide legal counsel or representation," Reigncore said on its website. Lobbying areas include the new NAFTA, Section 301 tariff exclusions, and export control reform efforts, it said.