Description

The NAFTZ Membership webinars were started in response to the questions NAFTZ received on the variety of perks of joining the NAFTZ Team.  Welcome you joining us to learn from association insiders in how best to take advantage of all NAFTZ has to offer new and veteran members.  

This session will cover the latest programs NAFTZ has to offer such as discount bond rates, advocacy efforts, educational credentials and more.

Featured Speakers: Tanna Zingula-Johnson, EY, Matt Williams, TURMS, JR Holcomb, Alliance Corridor, Inc. FTZ #196, Cindy Welliever, Intel Corporation, Wanda Sample, Avalon Risk Management, Jeff Tafel, NAFTZ and Kristine Wells, NAFTZ, will share their stories on how an NAFTZ membership has benefited their careers, you'll also explore the best strategies to maximize your NAFTZ experience & how best to access FTZ resources.

Speaker Bios:

Tanna Zingula is Chair of NAFTZ Membership Committee and Sr. Mgr. with EY.

Tanna Zingula-Johnson is a Global Trade specialist and member of Ernst & Young LLP’s Global Trade practice, where she addresses client needs as they pertain to international trade. Tanna has extensive experience in bonded facilities including bonded warehouses and the foreign-trade zones space with over 10 years including both distribution and manufacturing activities. Tanna also has a background in related issues, prior disclosures, activation and designation activities, and analysis related to a variety of import matters, including first-sale, PGA’s, classification, tariff engineering, and customs valuation for US imports.

Tanna has been involved in setting up best practices for companies around the foreign-trade zone operation as well as creating/updating global trade import and conducting Customs audits. She has experience in project management for US and global-based projects.

Tanna assists clients with compliance focused reviews of their import operations as well as provides guidance on the customs regulations. Tanna has conducted both internal and external presentations and training sessions on foreign trade zone management, zone administration, inbonds, and first sale.

Tanna holds a Master of Business Administration degree from National American University along with her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Tanna has been a Licensed Customs Broker since 2015 and has held memberships with the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) as well as the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) and the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA). She is currently the Chair on one committee while staying active on two other committees with the NAFTZ organization and completed her certification as an Accredited Zone Specialist (AZS) in 2022. 

Matt Williams, President of TURMS, is a global trade professional with experience in the areas of Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ), general U.S. Customs compliance, GTM software implementation, and operations optimization. He has provided guidance on import regulatory matters and process optimization to local government entities, as well as small companies and multinational corporations in the technology, energy, automotive, manufacturing, and logistics industries.

JR Holcomb, leads the marketing and communication endeavors of Foreign-Trade Zone #196, driving increased U.S. import and export activity within the AllianceTexas corridor of North Texas while leveraging federal savings benefits to foster economic growth. JR Holcomb serves as Director of FTZ #196 on behalf of Alliance Corridor, Inc. Providing a direct benefit to nearby distribution and manufacturing companies to optimize their supply chain management by delivering duty and tax benefits and consultation services that are not available through any other mechanism. JR is a member of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones and the Texas Association of Foreign Trade Zones. The AllianceTexas FTZ program remains a foundational pillar in the region’s economic vitality. A Fort Worth, Texas native, JR attended Texas A&M University, where he was in the Corps of Cadets and graduated magna cum laude while earning a Bachelor of Science in the School of Architecture. JR is an avid traveler, often leading short-term mission trips overseas with friends and family, where he serves on the board of refugee orphanages in the Middle East. 

Cindy Welliever, CZS,CES, CCS,  U.S. FTZ & Trade Compliance Manager, Intel Corporation,  is a dedicated U.S. Trade and Compliance Manager with over 12 years of specialized experience in international trade regulations and Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs), serving the dynamic semiconductor industry. She is recognized for her strategic leadership in ensuring full compliance with U.S. import controls, customs laws, and global trade requirements, while enabling efficient and secure supply chain operations. Cindy holds a Master’s degree in Microbiology from California State University, Long Beach, bringing a unique scientific perspective to her role in a highly technical field. Her background enhances her ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, legal, and operations teams, translating complex regulatory frameworks into practical, business-aligned solutions.

She is an active member of the National Association of Foreign Trade Zones (NAFTZ) and serves on multiple committees, including the Operator/User Committee and the Membership Committee. Through NAFTZ, Cindy volunteers as a mentor to individuals new to Foreign Trade Zones. Her proactive approach to regulatory changes and her commitment to ethical trade practices make her a trusted advisor.

Wanda Sample is Regional Vice President for Avalon Risk Management’s New York office. She joined Avalon in August of 2002 and has more than 30 years of experience in the customs broker and freight forwarder arenas. Wanda began her career at Avalon as Marketing Manager and was later promoted to Director of Trade Relations to manage Avalon’s trade affairs and relationships with key industry organizations including the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America (NCBFAA) and Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA). Prior to joining Avalon, Wanda worked for 17 years at F.W. Myers & Co., a national customs broker and freight forwarder. As Risk Coordinator for F.W. Myers, Wanda handled surety bonds, cargo insurance, professional liability, property and casualty, and other corporate insurance products. Additionally, she conducted compliance audits at various regional offices throughout the United States. Wanda is actively involved in the trade community and serves on the Board of the Air & Expeditor Motor Carriers Association (AEMCA), Long Island Import Export Association (LIIEA), and The Semantics. She serves on the membership committee of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ) and is a member of JFK Brokers Association and NYNJFFFBA. Wanda obtained her MBA from Clarkson University.

Also special guests: joining us:

NAFTZ Director of Communications & Member Services Kristine Wells

NAFTZ President: Jeff Tafel