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. Read More →
