Description

Join this NAFTZ FREE Event to learn the latest strategies on how best to convey FTZ Benefits with your representatives.

This session will cover the latest programs developments.  

Featured Speaker(s): Danielle Converse, Port of Corpus Christi, Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear, Melissa Irmen, NAFTZ, & Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ, will explore the best strategies on how best to connect with ideal resources, highlighting the Congressional Visits Day (Feb. 25, 2026 as well as year-round opportunities to engage).

Description

Learn from those who successfully conducted hill visits, providing you with the best strategies to highlight FTZ program developments.

We welcome all participants, NAFTZ members and non-members, to join if you are interested in learning how best to convey FTZ report data, state specific insights and promote program developments with your elected officials.

Speakers

Danielle Converse, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Manager at Port Corpus Christi, FTZ 122.

Danielle leads the management and marketing for FTZ 122, serving as the Grantee of the seven-county service area and the Operator Port Corpus Christi’s 7,000-acre Magnet Site, providing customers and tenants quick and easy access to FTZ program benefits. She has more than 20 years’ experience in regulatory compliance, working side by side with business and industry to achieve compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. She was instrumental in the formation of the Texas Association of Foreign Trade Zones and serves as the Secretary of the organization. Danielle is an active member of National Association of Foreign Trade Zones, serving on the Grantee, Operator and Advocacy Committees, as well as on the Social Media Taskforce. She is Co-Chair of the Taxing Issues Subcommittee and Chair of the Sponsorship Taskforce. Danielle’s excellent working relationships with FTZ operators, users, and local U.S. Customs officials have ensured the successful implementation and expansion of the Foreign-Trade Zones program in the Texas Coastal Bend.

Katie Tangman, Senior Director of Global Customs and Trade at Columbia Sportswear Company

Katie Tangman is the Senior Director of Global Customs and Trade at Columbia Sportswear Company, where she leads a global team of trade professionals across the U.S., Canada, France, and Vietnam. Her team is responsible for ensuring trade compliance and driving a wide range of duty optimization initiatives, including tariff engineering, FTA utilization, Foreign Trade Zones, Bonded Warehouses, and First Sale for Export programs.

Melissa Irmen

Melissa Irmen joined the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) to execute the association’s advocacy vision plan, sponsorship development, specialized membership initiatives, and other program management. Melissa plays a pivotal role in building strategic partnerships and enhancing the membership experience while driving impactful change within the FTZ community.

Melissa has over 20 years of experience in the Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) industry, most recently as Senior Vice President at ISCM, Inc., a Washington, DC based consulting firm helping companies with FTZ applications, setup, technology, and regulatory agency insight. Melissa is an Accredited Zone Specialist and served as Chair on the Board of Directors for the NAFTZ. Melissa is an active participant in various international trade initiatives and organizations and speaks regularly on global trade topics. She provides technology and trade expertise to many CBP working groups, including, most recently, one focused on utilizing Emerging Technologies.

Jeffrey J. Tafel, CAE, is the President of NAFTZ. He is a member and mission-focused non-profit professional with nearly 30 years of association senior management experience and specializes in developing and executing strategy.

Previously, Jeff served as the CEO of the Home Builders Association of Western Michigan where he worked closely with the Board of Directors and oversaw the entire organization, it’s programs and initiatives. Serving Kalamazoo and the six surrounding counties (including the cities of Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Three Rivers, Coldwater, Albion, Hastings, South Haven and Allegan), the HBA serves and represents the entire residential construction and remodeling community.