Washington, DC - Effective July 11, Ms. Megan Montgomery, Esq., will become Executive Vice President of the National Customs Brokers & Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA), one of the nation’s oldest and most storied trade associations. Ms. Montgomery replaces barbara reilly, CAE, who held the position for 18 years before resigning effective June 7. “I am very grateful to President Powell and the NCBFAA Board of Directors for this wonderful opportunity to continue serving an industry and community that I have come to admire not only for its critically important role in the nation’s commerce but also for their focused commitment to honest and ethical business practices,” she said. “Ms. reilly’s outstanding leadership of the Association has made it what it is today and I plan to continue in that tradition to build on her accomplishments by working strenuously to insure that the NCBFAA remains the ‘Voice of the Industry’ for years to come.” Currently the Principal Consultant for Washington, DC-based MWM Consultants, Ms. Montgomery manages conferences, events and operational activities for multiple clients. In addition, she brings with her extensive industry experience that she acquired during five years of service as the Director of Government Affairs at the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) in Washington, DC. During her AAEI tenure, she engaged in budget management, educational outreach, communication initiatives, public appearances, and she managed association issues and volunteer-driven committees that involved general Customs/CBP issues, Homeland Security programs and initiatives, drawback, and general trade policy to connect trade professionals and facilitate learning. Prior to joining AAEI, Ms. Montgomery was Director, Economic Development and Government Affairs for the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce, Towson, MD. In that capacity, she lobbied various governmental bodies on issues such as immigration, health care, education and taxation as well as maintained regular contact with local and state news media. In addition, she tracked legislation and county regulations as well as informed chamber membership about relevant developments. She also developed and implemented the legislative agenda and strategy for the chamber. Ms. Montgomery was also Government Affairs Assistant for the Motor and Equipment Manufacturing Association in Washington, DC. That position involved lobbying members of the House and Senate on business and international trade as well as drafting issue papers and talking points for Congressional visits by industry executives. In addition to writing on regulatory, legislative and trade policy issues, she also monitored government affairs issues including U.S. trade with China, product counterfeiting, healthcare, trade safeguard measures, foreign trade practices, and small business programs. Similar to our upcoming Government Affairs Conference, she coordinated congressional visits for over 100 volunteer representatives with 50 congressional offices as part of fly-in. In addition, Ms. Montgomery has worked as a Staff Assistant for former Representative Richard Norman "Doc" Hastings (R-WA)and a Congressional Intern for former Senator Thomas Slade Gorton III, (R-WA). She was also a Series 6/63 licensed Financial Advisor for Fortis Investors in Bellevue, WA. Ms. Montgomery has earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington, Seattle, WA, and a Juris Doctor degree from The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, Washington, DC. “barbara’s departure is a significant loss for our organization as well as the many friends and colleagues she has here; we all wish her the best on her future endeavors,” NCBFAA President Geoffrey Powell said. “In filling those shoes, we are truly fortunate to be able to welcome someone as accomplished and experienced as Megan to the Association to continue the important work of Executive Vice President of the NCBFAA.” Headquartered in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA represents more than 1,000 member companies with 110,000 employees in international trade - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs), NVOCCs and air cargo agents, serving more than 250,000 importers and exporters. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, and various meetings and conferences throughout the year.