You've hopefully seen the recent notice that the application process to serve on the NAFTZ Board of Directors is now open. Those of you who are newer to the association—or earlier in your careers—may be wondering what the Board actually does and why NAFTZ even has a board in the first place.

NAFTZ is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance and promote the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program through advocacy, education, and industry collaboration, while supporting economic development and the global competitiveness of its members. The Board of Directors provides the governance and fiduciary* oversight necessary to ensure the organization remains focused on that mission and positioned for long-term success.

The Board's responsibilities include:

Financial Oversight

We review and approve monthly and periodic financial statements and help ensure that association resources are managed responsibly and used in support of member and organizational priorities.

Strategic Planning and Direction

The Board regularly reviews and updates the association's strategic plan to ensure our long-term goals continue to align with the evolving needs of our members, the FTZ program, and the broader trade environment.

Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Perspectives

As you know, NAFTZ membership spans a wide range of industries, company sizes, and stakeholder groups, including grantees, operators, users, service providers, and 3PLs. The Board works to ensure these diverse viewpoints are represented when making decisions on behalf of the association.

Leading Through Regulatory and Economic Change

The trade environment is rarely static. The Board helps identify ways to support members and protect the FTZ program during periods of uncertainty and change. (Not that we've had any experience with that recently!)

Representing the Membership While Advancing the Mission

Ultimately, Board members are responsible for representing the broad interests of the membership while keeping the organization's mission and long-term health at the forefront of decision-making.

What Are the Benefits of Serving on the Board?

Board service is an outstanding professional development opportunity.

Serving on the Board provides exposure to governance, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. You'll gain executive-level decision-making experience while broadening your understanding of FTZs, international trade policy, and the challenges facing a variety of industries.

Board service also provides opportunities to:

• Build relationships with government officials and other trade professionals
• Share your expertise while learning from experienced industry leaders
• Expand your professional network within the international trade community
• Develop leadership skills that can benefit both your career and your organization

In my experience, senior leadership within your company will also recognize the value of Board service and the perspective you bring back to your organization through that experience.

How Can I Be Considered for the Board?

If Board service interests you, here are several ways to position yourself for future consideration:

• Be actively engaged in NAFTZ committees and working groups.
• Volunteer to lead or chair a committee, task force, or special project.
• Develop subject matter expertise in both trade and your area of FTZ involvement (Grantee, Operator, User, Service Provider, or 3PL).
• Build relationships across the NAFTZ community.
• Ensure your company supports the time commitment required for active participation.

Board service is both a professional opportunity and a significant responsibility. The individuals who are most successful in these roles tend to share a genuine passion for the U.S. FTZ program and the benefits it brings to companies, communities, and the country as a whole.

NAFTZ relies on engaged volunteer leaders who are willing to contribute their time, expertise, and perspective. If Board service is something you're considering, I encourage you to reach out to me or any current Board member. We'd be happy to share our experiences, explain what service entails, and discuss how it has benefited us professionally and personally.

*Fiduciary responsibility: Board members owe duties of care, loyalty, and obedience to the organization. They help ensure that the organization's resources are used to advance its mission and serve the interests of the membership rather than any individual or private interest.