Border Trade Alliance appoints three new members to board of directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        June 11, 2026

New members bring expertise from manufacturing, economic development, infrastructure

 WASHINGTON — The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) today announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors: Jonathan Bellamy of A.O. Smith Corporation, Rose Benavidez of the Starr County Industrial Foundation, and Laura Nassri Warren of The Warren Group Architects. The appointments were approved during the BTA Board of Directors meeting held June 9 in Washington, D.C.

The three new directors bring extensive experience in international trade, economic development, infrastructure, business leadership, and cross-border commerce, further strengthening the BTA’s role as the leading advocate for policies that promote secure and efficient trade across North America.

“Jonathan, Rose, and Laura each bring a unique perspective and a deep commitment to the economic vitality of the border region,” said Britton Mullen, president of the Border Trade Alliance. “Their professional accomplishments and leadership experience will be tremendous assets to the organization as we engage in the formal review of USMCA, advocate for modern border infrastructure, and promote policies that strengthen North American trade and economic growth.”

Jonathan Bellamy
Bellamy serves as trade compliance director for A.O. Smith Corporation, where he oversees trade compliance activities across the United States and Canada while supporting the company’s international operations. He has more than a decade of experience with A.O. Smith and previously worked in export compliance for Fruit of the Loom. 

Rose Benavidez
Benavidez is president of the Starr County Industrial Foundation and has more than 20 years of experience in economic development, workforce development, education, and regional advocacy. Under her leadership, the foundation has helped attract significant private investment and job creation throughout South Texas. She also represents District 1 on the South Texas College Board of Trustees and previously served as board chair and vice chair. 

Laura Nassri Warren
Nassri Warren is founder and principal owner of The Warren Group Architects. With nearly three decades of experience in architecture, design, and construction, she has built a distinguished career advancing projects throughout the United States and Mexico. Her expertise in cross-border business and economic development has made her a respected leader throughout the border region.

“Each of these leaders understands the importance of a strong and competitive border economy,” BTA Chairman Pete Sepulveda said. “Their expertise spans trade compliance, economic development, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and international business. As the BTA continues to address increasingly complex challenges and opportunities affecting North American trade, Jonathan, Rose, and Laura will bring valuable insight and leadership to our board.”

The appointments reflect the Border Trade Alliance’s commitment to maintaining a diverse and experienced board that represents the industries, communities, and organizations that depend on efficient cross-border trade and transportation throughout North America. 

About the Border Trade Alliance

Since 1986, the BTA has served as a grassroots, nonprofit organization that provides a forum for discussion and advocacy on issues pertaining to border development and quality of life and trade in the Americas. A network of public and private sector representatives from the United States, Mexico and Canada, BTA’s core values include a commitment to improving the quality of life of border communities through trade and commerce. The BTA is online at thebta.org and @borderalliance.

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