Cindy

Area of expertise: I began working in the FTD as an intern for the Automated Export System Branch (AES) in the summer of 1998. Since then, I have helped to organize and build the foundation of the Automated Export System. I also have experience in providing data analysis trends and assisting with classifying commodities. My primary responsibility is in monitoring Fatal Error processes and procedure.

About me: I am the youngest and only girl in my family; I was born and raised in Maryland. I have always been outgoing and adventurous. My adventures began in high school where I was involved in a Foreign Exchange program and traveled to Spain for several months. My travels have yet to end. My hobbies include cooking, traveling, music, and shopping. I enjoy expressing my creativity through many of these outlets.

David

Area of expertise: I specialize in providing technical assistance to Commodity Analysis Branch (CAB) analysts. I provide them with special reports or unique modifications to the data that are out of scope from the day to day corrections of the analysts. I also serve as a liaison between CAB and the other more technical branches that are directly involved in the larger scale processing of the data.

About me: I have quite a bit of interest in online culture including blogs, forums, news aggregators and other social media. News sites that allow commenting and links from the general public are especially interesting to me because they allow for a multitude of perspectives and opinions that I might not encounter in my day to day life.

Eric

Area of expertise: I am part of the Automated Export System Branch. Specifically, I work with users to help reduce high counts of fatal errors. I am also a customer service representative and conduct AES seminars and workshops.

About me: I was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. My favorite activities in the Washington DC area include walking around National Mall and going to the Washington Nationals baseball games.

Erin

Area of expertise: I work in the Data Collection Coordination Branch.  My main duty is monitoring Foreign Trade Zones which require me to verify the statistical data they report to Census.  I also assist in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme by collecting, verifying, and analyzing Kimberly Process Certificate data for U.S. imports and exports of rough diamonds.

About me: I graduated from North Carolina A&T State University, AGGIE PRIDE!  I love to eat, cook, read, and watch funny movies.

Fay

Area of expertise: I have worked in the Data Dissemination Branch of the Foreign Trade Division (FTD) for 8 years. My duties include maintaining and enhancing USA Trade Online, the FTD’s most comprehensive data product. I have a BA in International Affairs and Economics from George Washington University and a MA in Economics from George Mason University.

About me: In my spare time, I enjoy baking and spending a good deal of time running to burn off the baked goods.

Joe

Area of expertise: I work in the FTD’s Data Dissemination Branch. My main duties include maintaining the Data section of the FTD website and assisting customers in identifying and using the multitude of U.S. international trade data products available. I have a BS from the University of Maryland and am less-than a semester away from finishing the Master’s in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University.

About me: In my spare time, I enjoy rooting for the Terps and Orioles, playing video games, and spending time with my wife and our dogs.

Josephine

Area of expertise: I work in the Commodity Analysis Branch here at the Census Bureau. In a nutshell I do what both names imply. I monitor foreign Commodities that are imported into the United States. I deal mostly with machinery commodities. Common ones are: cranes, computers, machinery, and so forth. In addition, I also help exporters classify their shipments accordingly. I can ensure you that life is never boring in the world of machinery!

About me: I am a 24-year-old graduate of the University of Maryland College Park. I graduated with a B.A. in Sociology and a B.S. in Health. My hobbies include anything that has to do with physical movement. I love working out. I enjoy international travel, and have lived in Nice, France at one point in my life. I have a passion for different cultures.

Area of expertise: I have worked in the Commodity Analysis Branch since January 2008. My main duties include monitoring the export of transportation commodities, editing Schedule B classification codes, and providing quality service on our call center. The most exported commodities in the transportation section are motor vehicles, fire trucks, airplanes, and helicopters.

About me: I am originally born and raised in the raised in the best city in the world: Chicago. In the fall of 2007, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree at Morehouse College in Atlanta. I currently have a Master’s degree in Business Administration, and I am working on a Master’s Certification in Project Management at the University of George Washington.

Mala

Area of expertise: I work in the Data Dissemination Branch of the FTD. My duties include maintaining the U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services’ supplemental exhibits and assisting customers in using the data products that the FTD provides.

About me: I graduated with a BA in Economics from the University of Maryland in 2008. In my spare time I enjoy reading, knitting, and learning to cook.

Melannie

Area of expertise: I work in the Regulations, Outreach and Education Branch (ROEB).  I assist the trade community with compliance, and understanding and interpreting the Foreign Trade Regulations.  I have experience with National Interest Determinations, Memorandums of Understandings, as well as processing data requests and voluntary self disclosures that are submitted to the ROEB.  I have also worked extensively with the seminar team in ROEB in presenting, preparing, promoting, and scheduling webinars, as well as seminars across the U.S. that the Foreign Trade Division (FTD) offers.

About me: Throughout my tenure at the U.S. Census Bureau I have worked in various areas of the FTD including the Commodity Analysis Branch (CAB), the Automated Export System Branch (AES), and am now currently a member of the ROEB.  In my spare time I enjoy spending time at church & with family/friends, traveling, directing & attending media productions (i.e. theatre,  movies, etc…)art, music, football, and fashion.

Melissa

Area of expertise: I work in the Process Coordination Staff Branch of the Foreign Trade Division.  I assist with coordinating and facilitating the division’s statistical program involving the exchange of import data with Statistics Canada.  I also serve as a liaison with other government agencies on trade statistics issues including, but not limited to, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Statistics Canada.

About me: I graduated with a BA in Accounting from Bridgewater State University in 2003.  I also received a Master’s Certificate in Project Management through George Washington University.  In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends.  I really love the outdoors, warm weather and working out.  I’m a bit of a daredevil and also enjoy hiking, white water rafting and skydiving!

Nidaal

Area of expertise: I work in the Automated Export System Branch and have conducted a number of Webinars, software demos, and AES Seminars and workshops in support of our ongoing outreach efforts to the trade.  In addition to these outreach efforts, I assist shippers, exporters, forwarders, and companies in facilitating their export transactions in the AES, as well as resolving any fatal errors they may have.

About me: I love to eat.  I also enjoy current events, reading, and martial arts.

Omari

Area of expertise: I am the FTD’s Trade Ombudsman. My job is to act as a liaison between the export trade community and the government for issues related to the Automated Export System (AES), the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), and Customs & Border Protection (CBP). I have been recognized numerous times for my outstanding work with the export trade community. I have received special recognition for my efforts on the AES Team for marketing and customer service.

About me: I started working in Foreign Trade in 1997. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Maryland. I also have a Master’s in Management from the University of Maryland at University College and a Master’s Certificate from the George Washington University School of Business.

Rosanna

Area of expertise: I’m one of the main editors for Global Reach.  Which means I’m always looking for ways to make this blog a great resource for your business.  When I’m not editing or posting blogs, I’m working as a member of the AESDirect Team in the AES Branch, I work hand-in-hand with our developers to enhance the AESDirect website and its applications so that it meets your daily business needs.

About me: I was raised in Puerto Rico, so my favorite season is inevitably summer. Hence, if asked today what I like to do in my spare time, I would say being outdoors! I enjoy cooking, working out, going to the pool/beach, and eating a good meal (preferably outdoors).

Ryan

Area of expertise: My focus is in the Exporter Database and the Profile of U.S. Exporters. I am a member of the Exporter Database team and assist in the yearly process of making a profile of the U.S. exporters.

About Me: I thoroughly enjoy this sensation known as the “internet” and the technology that makes it possible. However, excluding an extra hour or so a day, when I am outside of work, I enjoy my rest and relaxation. Particularly, I like the outdoors. This includes the cliché hobbies of camping and hiking. Lastly, Hail to the Redskins!

Terri

Area of expertise: I’m a member of the Foreign Trade Data Dissemination Branch. I’ve worked on USA Trade Online since its inception. I write the majority of the help documentation and occasionally teach classes on how to use USA Trade Online effectively.

About me: I am a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan (FLY EAGLES FLY!) and a huge sports fan in general. My other passions include cooking, movies and reading.