O’Connell’s Broad Expertise on Border Issues A Big Win For Border Region & Trade
WASHINGTON, DC - After 11 years as president of the Border Trade Alliance (BTA), Maria Luisa O’Connell stepped down to accept an appointment by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano to the position of Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs for the US Customs and Border Protection Agency (CBP). Ms. O’Connell officially began her role with CBP in Washington, DC, on Aug. 3.
In her tenure at the BTA, the tri-national organization representing more than 2 million stakeholders involved in border and trade issues, Ms. O’Connell served tirelessly as an advocate for North American trade and for improving the quality of life in border communities.
“This is a big win for our border communities and secure cross-border trade stakeholders. BTA has spawned a first-rate leader and champion of the border in Ms. O’Connell,” says BTA Chair Erin M. Ward. “We have every confidence she will work with her colleagues at CBP to increase cooperation with border communities and address the growing economic necessity of ensuring the efficient flow of goods and people at our borders by bringing our land ports of entry (POEs) into the 21st century.”
Ms. O’Connell, in leading the BTA, accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience that spans a broad range of North American border issues. Her expertise covers trade relations, environmental resources and health issues, travel and immigration, agri-business, import and export regulations, border security, and others.
In the years following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Ms. O’Connell successfully led collective efforts among border communities and NAFTA stakeholders in navigating the sudden, increasingly complex role of the U.S. Federal government in the management of our North American borders.
Through her solutions-oriented approach to advocacy, Ms. O’Connell mixed technology, public-private partnerships, and stakeholder involvement to expedite POE improvements and pioneered secure trade pilot projects. In 2005, she led the BTA to facilitate the construction of a dedicated Free and Secure Trade (FAST) lane at the Mariposa Point of Entry in Nogales, AZ. During the process, she secured approval for a required federal “presidential permit” in record time, saving considerable time and taxpayer dollars.
As a bi-lingual leader, Ms. O’Connell utilized her diplomatic skills to bring NAFTA governments to the table in realizing solutions to secure trade policies that consider the humanitarian implications. Among her many successes, Ms. O’Connell facilitated international consensus in making Laser Visas affordable to families whose livelihoods depend on cross-border travel.
Serving as the leader of Public Affairs at CBP, the Federal enforcement organization responsible for management of our borders and facilitation of trade, Ms. O’Connell hopes to expand cooperative outreach efforts with CBP counterparts in Canada and Mexico and regional border stakeholders to enhance North American competitiveness in global trade.
“We all understand the importance of cross-border trade, and we know that we cannot afford to fail - not the government, not Congress, not the business community,” said Ms. O’Connell in her farewell statement. “We must develop sound policies, collaborate on workable solutions, raise our visibility, leverage our political capital, and unite in common purpose to ensure our future success. This is the very important role the BTA will continue to play in years to come, and why your support and participation is imperative.”
The BTA views the appointment of President O’Connell as confirmation of the Obama Administration’s continuing commitment to addressing critical border issues with real-world solutions, while facilitating secure trade and travel at our North American borders.
Ms. O’Connell will join a number of other BTA members, border state government leaders, and trade advocates that have assumed positions in the current administration. This trend signals the potential for better inter-agency and grass-roots cooperation in improving North American border policies and furthering trade relations with Canada and Mexico.
With nearly $800 billion in annual cross-border economic activity at stake, BTA looks forward to working with Ms. O’Connell in the future to manage the difficult challenges and enhance the economic opportunities at our shared borders with Canada and Mexico.
Leave a Reply
The BTA reserves the right to post comments it feels are appropriate to creating a dialog around border issues. We are interested in hearing from all points of view and encourage those with unique, constructive perspectives to contribute their view points to help shape the future of our borders. BTA is a tri-national organization and will not accept posts that contain derogatory comments made towards citizens, groups, or organizations of any kind.