Thomas S. Norwalk is President of the Miami Valley Marketing Group, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio. Consulting activities include providing custom marketing and support services and programs. We concentrate on issue campaigns, international marketing programs and economic development planning and implementation programs for public and private sector industries worldwide.

The National Association of Manufacturers, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Business Roundtable of Washington, DC have been major clients. Three of us in Ohio served as coordinators for goTRADE Ohio and the Ohio Alliance for International Trade, and we worked with Ohio’s 18 US Representatives and two Senators and their staffers on trade education and trade legislation, including Trade Promotion Authority and Free Trade Agreement legislation.

He was appointed by the Ohio Governor to the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodores and serves on their board.. He serves on the board of directors of the Miami Valley International Trade Association, the Dayton Council on World Affairs, the Dayton Peace Accords Project and the United States Air & Trade Show executive committee..

Norwalk serves as vice chair and is on the executive committee of the Southern Ohio District Export Council where he represents DEC members from our network and on the National DEC Steering Committee where he chairs the national legislative affairs program. He has accompanied Cincinnati, Dayton and/or Cleveland USEAC international trade representatives in meetings with district directors and staffers at the Ohio offices of Representatives Schmidt, Turner, Austria, Boehner and LaTourette to talk specifically about the SODEC program and trade issues.

Daniel (Dan) Ward is currently a member of the Midwest DEC, having joined the DEC in 2010. Mr. Ward has been a member of the ITC starting in 1980. He has chaired the Scholarship Committee for five years, which awards $1,000 scholarships to students pursuing international degrees. Mr. Ward has led the Global Research Initiative (GRI) four times for the ITC. GRI is a year-long international research project completed by a team of university students for a client company. He was President of the International Trade Council of Greater Kansas City (ITC) in 2009-2010. Mr. Ward served on the Collaboration Committee in 2010-2011 with the ITC, the World Trade Center of Kansas City and the Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Ward is a supporter of the U. S. Commercial Service in Kansas City, having used many services from the CS both in the USA and internationally. Mr. Ward has given public endorsements to companies doing international trade on the value of services provided by the CS. Mr. Ward is an owner of Western Forms, Inc., a family owned manufacturing company founded by his father, Mr. Edward B. Ward in 1955. Mr. Dan Ward has held numerous executive positions in the financial and administrative area during his 33 year career with the company. Currently, as International Operations Manager, Mr. Ward manages the activities that serve customers in 40 countries around the world, including trade finance and logistics. Mr. Ward began attending the U.S. ExIm Bank Annual Conference in 1996 and continues to do so. He is an experienced user of ExIm Bank programs in the Midwest.  His knowledge of global business is regularly shared when speaking at various colleges, universities, seminars and other business organizations.

Qualifications: As a volunteer leader of the ITC, Mr. Dan Ward has established relationships with many professionals in Kansas City’s business community. The companies are involved in international trade and range from large-multinational organizations to small businesses. As a small business owner, Mr. Ward personally experiences the challenges of doing business in the global marketplace. His in-depth knowledge of the ExIm Bank programs puts him in a good position to contribute to the NSC. In addition, Mr. Ward has developed a reputation as a facilitator of collaboration in a variety of scenarios. Mr. Ward is knowledgeable of the programs of the USDOC, ITA and the U.S. Commercial Service. More importantly, he is a vocal supporter of the Programs and Services of the CS.  

Joe Schoonmaker

Joe Schoonmaker has been involved in the U.S. business community for over 3 decades working with a number of major financial organizations while focusing on international banking, trade finance and insurance programs. For the past few years he has been an insurance broker with two sister firms called Risk Protection International, LLC, and Altus Multinational Group, both headquartered in Stratford, Connecticut. Although, he is located in an office in Manhattan. RPI/Altus specializes in credit and political risk insurance used by companies who export, import or sell around the country. As Marketing Director he works with many of the top international underwriters, which includes the U.S. Export/Import Bank.

Mr. Schoonmaker’s past international banking experience includes various officer positions with the American Express Bank, the State Street Bank of Boston, The Chase Manhattan Bank and the Bank of America. At the moment, he is Chairman of the New York District Export Council which is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Commerce and was appointed to this position by the U. S. Secretary of Commerce. While head of the World Trade Council of Westchester, he won the President’s “E” Award for excellence in export promotion. He is a licensed insurance broker in the State of New York. And, a member of the Board of Advisors of Export University. Mr. Schoonmaker is a graduate of Fordham University with a degree in economics.

Leigh serves on the following boards:


• State of Tennessee District Export Council - Board Chairperson
• National District Export Council - Legislative Committee / Southeast Regional Legislative Coordinator
• Small Business Exporter's Association - Board of Directors / Board Member Emeritus
• Croplife America
• Greater Memphis Chamber - Board of Directors / Board of Advisors / Chair International Business Council 2011
• Memphis in May International Festival, Inc. - (Chair 2005)
• The Med Foundation
• Orpheum Theatre – Board Member
• The Liberty Bowl

Organizational Affiliations:


• Economics Club
• Leadership America
• NAWBO - National Association of Women Business Owners
• Leadership Memphis
• Brooks Museum – The Moss Society Member
• SIBF (Society International Business Fellows)
• Rock n Soul

Education:


• B.S. In Business (International) from the University of Tennessee Martin


Languages:


• English, Spanish, Working Knowledge of French & Portuguese

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE ASSOCIATION OF GREATER CHICAGO
BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Richard Paullin has been Executive Director of the International Trade Association of Greater
Chicago, one of the largest and most active groups in the United States, since 1994. From 2005 – 2009
he served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Illinois Global Partnership.

In 1987, he was appointed to the Illinois District Export Council (DEC) by the U.S. Secretary of
Commerce. He is currently serving a seventh consecutive term, as Chairman of the Illinois DEC.
Much of Mr. Paullin’s trading and consulting activities have focused on the Pacific Rim countries,
where he specializes in strategic planning, marketing and joint ventures for U.S. clients. He has
conducted business in mainland China since 1988.

In May 2000, Mr. Paullin received the Illinois Governor’s Export Award for Public Service. In
November 2001, he represented the President’s Export Council as a Cleared Advisor to the U.S. Trade
Representative at the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference in Doha, Qatar.

Mr. Paullin also serves or has served on numerous public and private sector advisory boards; among
them: Chicago Committee, Chicago Council on Foreign Relations; Member, Bretton Woods
Committee; Board of Directors, Hong Kong Business Association of the Midwest; MBA Executive
Advisory Board, Lewis University; Advisory Committee, Shanghai Science & Technology Museum
Foundation.

President, Global Marketeer Group (GMG), Inc.

Margie is president of Global Marketeer Group Inc., an Austin, TX based company that was founded in September 2003 to assist small and medium-sized companies market and promote their products or services into emerging international regions. GMG is a Texas Certified Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) with state, national and international contacts. Prior to forming GMG, Margie Moore was The Americas Regional Director for the Texas Economic Development Department Office of International Business; where she:

• Organized the first State led mission to Israel and Jordan (2000)
• Implemented the first Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Texas and the Provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada
• Organized the first State led mission to Canada, Tex-Can 2002
• Implemented the first Memorandum of Understanding between the State of Texas and the States of Sao Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil
• Organized the first State led mission to Brazil, Comércio Brasil 2003
• Represented State of Texas at various international trade shows: Saitex, Johannesburg, South Africa; Comdex, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Growth Industries USA in Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Peru, and Venezuela

As a member of former Texas State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos' district office administrative staff, Margie represented the Senator at public hearings, town and business meetings Reported and followed issues and concerns of Hays County constituents. Prior to her public service career, Margie owned and operated the successful Café on the Square in San Marcos, TX for 21 years.
Margie currently serves her community with her dedication and involvement in many civic groups and organizations, including:

• Business & Community Lenders of Texas (BCL) - Board of Directors
• Latin American Business Advisory Council (LABAC) at Texas State University
• Texas Camino Real District Export (DEC) Council
• Capital Area Economic Development District (CAEDD) - Board
• Export Education and Growth (EEG) Task Force at Austin Community College
• Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos - Board of Directors
• The Texas Association of Mexican American Chamber of Commerce (TAMACC) Economic Development - Summit Committee

Margie formerly served as President of the San Marcos Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Member of the San Marcos Planning and Zoning Commission; San Marcos Charter Review Board; Greater San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce International Business Committee; San Marcos Industrial Development Corporation; and the Hill Country Community MHMR Board of Directors. Margie attended Texas State University.

Mark J. Ballam serves as managing director of San Diego State University’s Center for International Business Education and Research (SDSU CIBER). SDSU CIBER is one of thirty-three national centers of excellence designated by the U.S. Department of Education. The Center for International Business Education and Research program was created by the U.S. Congress under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 in order to increase and promote the nation's capacity for international understanding and economic competitiveness. The national CIBER network links the manpower and technological needs of the United States business community with the international education, language training, and research capacities of universities across the country. SDSU CIBER serves as regional and national resources to business executives, students, and teachers at all levels.

Mark is responsible for the overall strategy and implementation of the SDSU CIBER program. He oversees administration and management including budget, resources, advocacy, and communications. He also directs development of research and training activities and outreach initiatives. SDSU CIBER also supports the International Business program at San Diego State University. This specialized degree program is considered one of the largest in the country and has consistently ranked among the best in the nation. In 2010, San Diego State University’s International Business program was ranked #11 by U.S. News and World Report’s American Best Colleges Guide. Since his arrival at San Diego State University, he has been instrumental in raising nearly $5 million in grants and gifts. He was recently awarded the Dean’s Excellence Award. Mark came to San Diego State University in 2005, after serving eight years as associate director of the Georgia Institute of Technology CIBER. Before Georgia Tech, he had a twelve year career in the banking industry. Most recently, he was Vice President with SunTrust Bank.

A native of Cape Cod, Mark earned his B.A. degree in international relations from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. He attended North London PolyTech in London, England, and worked as a law clerk with Aaronson & Co., Solicitors. In 2004, he earned his MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

At SDSU, Mark is a member of the Executive Committee at the College of Business Administration. He also serves on the boards of several organizations including the World Trade Center San Diego, the Family Business Forum, and the Small Business Development and International Trade Center at Southwestern College. In 2010, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke designated Mark a member of the San Diego and Imperial District Export Council. He also serves as Steering Committee Chairman for the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education. Mark is an active member with the Academy of International Business, Scholars Without Borders, and Phi Beta Delta, the honor society for international scholars.

Founder and Principal

Paul Oliva is the founder and principal of Oliva Global Communications in San Francisco, consulting on international communications and business strategy. Oliva Global services include international business and economic strategy, research and analysis, international trade policy and programs, public affairs and government relations, corporate social responsibility, issues management, marketing communications, and executive consulting. Oliva serves as a senior advisor to the Bay Area Council, and headed the California APEC 2011 Host Committee, CalAPEC, which brought the largest set of diplomatic meetings to California since the 1945 signing of the United Nations Charter.

Prior to founding his consultancy in 2005, Oliva was director for global corporate relations at Visa International. He developed Visa’s global stakeholder relations program and managed external communications regarding business-to-business solutions, consumer products, and IT systems such as VisaNet. Oliva worked directly with Visa’s CEO and other senior executives on the company's corporate reputation initiatives, which employed news media, industry analysts, thought leaders, and direct communication channels. Oliva joined Visa USA in 2000 as director of member communications before joining Visa International in 2001.

Prior to joining Visa, Oliva was a founder and executive director of BAYTRADE, an international trade development alliance of the Bay Area Economic Forum (now called the Bay Area Council Economic Institute). He also founded and managed TradePort LLC, an international trade web service, and helped form LA TRADE in Southern California as well as the statewide CalTrade to promote sound international policies. Earlier positions included international policy and public affairs work with the State of California, where he served as the Senior Policy Analyst for the California State World Trade Commission and the California Trade and Commerce Agency.

An avid sailor, Oliva is also the biweekly waterfront columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle and teaches sailing on San Francisco Bay.

Education: MA, International Affairs, School of Advanced International Studies (Johns Hopkins University), BA cum laude, International Studies (University of the Pacific). Oliva speaks German and Italian.

Board positions: Chair, Northern California District Export Council (appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce); member and past chair, University of the Pacific School of International Studies Advisory Council; commodore and past chair, South Beach Yacht Club. Member: CalChamber Council for International Trade.

John Saylor

Mr. Saylor has over 43 years of diversified transportation, logistical and trade development experience. Currently he is the Senior Project Director for the Washington, DC office of Los Alamos Technical Associates, a diversified solutions firm which helps government divisions and private industry face the complex scientific, engineering and technical challenges around the world.

Mr. Saylor’s introduction into the world of international trade and transportation began in 1968 after serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps., whereupon he worked for a Miami based freight forwarder with extensive operations throughout Central and South America. During this time period he was based in Guatemala City overseeing the company’s Central American operations. Upon his return to the US in 1973 Mr. Saylor joined P. Lorillard Tobacco Corp., manufacturer of Kent and Newport cigarettes as their International Traffic Manager. In 1976 British American Tobacco acquired Lorillard’s international business and merged it into their U.S. operating arm, Brown and Williamson Tobacco where Mr. Saylor took over as Director of International Operations for B&W overseeing export manufacturing, order processing and distribution worldwide. In 1982 he also assumed control as Director of the newly formed B&W Trading Company, an international trading company established by B&W to offset tobacco and cigarette sales through counter-trade and bartering. Subsequently Mr. Saylor later partnered in trade consulting and freight forwarding and Customs brokerage firms as President of American Overseas Transport. Most recently Mr. Saylor was Director of Maritime Services for Halcrow, Inc. a global consulting firm specializing in infrastructure planning, engineering and finance.

In 1984 Mr. Saylor was appointed Commissioner of the Virginia Port Authority by Virginia Governor Charles Robb to a term of 5 years. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Saylor served as Chairman of the National Maritime Council’s Shipper Advisory Board in Washington, DC.

Mr. Saylor is actively involved in trade issues and currently is the Chairman of the Virginia-Washington, DC District Export Council having been initially appointed in 2005. In 2009 Mr. Saylor served as the Chairman of the Annual National District Export Council Conference which was held in Washington, DC. Mr. Saylor is also President of the U.S.-Serbia Business Council (formerly the US-Yugoslav Business Council) and in 2003 he single handedly lobbied for and succeeded in obtaining the restoration of Most Favored Nation Status (Normal Trade Relations) for Yugoslavia. Considered a Balkan expert Mr. Saylor is on call to the State Department concerning trade and political issues in this region. Working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Mr. Saylor actively participated in various Chamber business coalitions for a number of Free Trade Agreements including Singapore and DR-CAFTA and is currently working on the passage of the three pending FTA’s for Panama, Colombia and Korea.

Mr. Saylor was born in Los Angeles and has for many years called Virginia his home. He attended Miami-Dade Junior College and the University of North Carolina Greensboro. He is an avid outdoorsman where he considers mountain climbing his passion. He bikes, runs (completed 5 marathons and numerous 5K and 10K races), rock climbs, skis, sails (Hobi Cat’s) and to relax he plays a little golf.

Senior Advisor
Office of International Operations
USDOC, Washington, DC

A senior member of the Foreign Service, Mr. Curtis is based in Washington DC in the Office of International Operations at the US Department of Commerce Headquarters operations. Keith is the Vice President for the Commercial Service for the American Foreign Service Association. AFSA represent’s the 28,000 members of the active and retired Foreign Service (www.afsa.org). Keith was re-elected to a second two-year term starting in July 2011. Keith also served as the representative for the Commercial Service to AFSA in 1995-97.

He is working as the Senior Advisor on energy efficiency and renewable energy and is responsible for clean energy strategy worldwide for the Commercial Service. Besides being one of the authors of the well-known “OBT” program of energy cooperation between Sweden and the U.S., Keith has spoken widely at US Clean Energy fora including ACORE, Windpower, USEA, and others. He is recently published on Green Buildings in the American British Business Journal.

Mr. Curtis returned from Stockholm in 2008 where he served as the Regional Senior Commercial Officer for Sweden, Denmark, Latvia and Iceland. Mr. Curtis was responsible for commercial affairs for the region as chief representative for the US Department of Commerce programs and was principal in the OBT program of energy cooperation between the US and Scandinavia. He was assigned to Stockholm in the August of 2003.

Mr. Curtis completed his undergraduate degree from Dickinson College in 1976 with a specialization in International Relations and a concentration in Soviet Studies. He completed his MBA at the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird) in 1980.

Mr. Curtis spent more than a decade in the 80s and 90s working in the Information Technology Sector with Burroughs Corporation, Tymnet Inc., McDonell Douglas and British Telecom. From the technical to the marketing side, Mr. Curtis started as a computer programmer and worked his way up to Manager of Carrier Relations negotiating International Interconnect agreements for Packet-switched network links for foreign governments and entities.

In 1990 Mr. Curtis enter the Foreign Service and has served in Tokyo, Japan, Washington DC on the European Desk, Brasilia, Brazil, and Stockholm, Sweden. During his career he worked on The Tokyo Auto Agreement, The Bosnia Commercial Mission, and the Brazil-US Caucus development programs. He has spoken widely in public forums and has written for various publications including The American British Business Journal on “The State of Green Building in the US Today”, the Foreign Service Journal and the European Trade Journal. He has been trained in the French, Japanese, Russian, and Portuguese languages