Looking Back, Moving Forward: My Journey with NAFTZ

I’ve been involved with NAFTZ for 15 years now, and as I step into the role of Chair, I’ve been reflecting on how far we’ve come together. From my early days as a member, through serving on the Board and Executive Committee, it’s been an incredible journey watching the association grow and evolve.

Here are just a few highlights that stand out:

• Membership growth — we’ve seen a 59.8% increase over 15 years, adding 348 new members!
• Greater recognition on Capitol Hill — Foreign Trade Zones are now being mentioned in legislation, and congressional staffers are familiar with our program. We’re no longer starting from scratch with every new Congress.
• Stronger partnerships — we’re collaborating more than ever with other trade associations.
• New ways to engage — including the Trade and Tariff Rapid Response Team (TRRT), Advocacy Committees, Mentorship Program, and the Emerging Leaders Program (ELITE).

This growth is a testament to the incredible work of our lean but mighty NAFTZ staff. Their dedication, passion, and tireless efforts have helped elevate our advocacy and member engagement programs. While they’re always quick to thank the membership, I want to take a moment to thank them — they truly deserve it.

On the advocacy front, we’ve seen real progress. While I don’t have hard data on congressional recognition, I can share that we’re being remembered. Staffers know who we are, ask thoughtful questions, and even pass along information to their successors. That kind of continuity is powerful.

Our President, Jeff Tafel, continues to build bridges with other international trade associations, and NAFTZ is now being invited to join broader conversations about how legislation and administrative decisions impact global trade. It’s exciting to see our voice carry further.

And finally, one of my favorite parts of NAFTZ — our committees, task forces, and working groups. These aren’t just places for benchmarking and brainstorming; they’re where friendships are formed. I’ll never forget arriving late to the hotel in Savannah for Spring Seminar and running into a few folks in the lobby. Before long, we were catching up like old friends. I called NAFTZ a “community,” and a long-time member gently corrected me: “We’re not just a community — we’re a family.”

Here’s to continuing the journey together.