Skip to content

About Us

PARTNERSHIP. PRIDE. PROSPERITY.

At the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, we connect global businesses with local communities through the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) Program. Our membership—which is comprised of public entities, public and private companies and individuals—works together to foster business growth, economic development, and U.S. employment.

FTZ Facts from the 2023 Foreign Trade Zones Board Annual Report (the most recent available)

BILLION
IN MERCHANDISE RECEIVED
U.S. RESIDENTS EMPLOYED
BILLION
IN EXPORTS FROM FTZS
ACTIVE FTZ OPERATIONS NATIONWIDE

Source: 2023 FTZ Board Annual Report

Our Vision

To serve our members and partners as the premier U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones advocacy and educational organization, though public-private partnerships to promote the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Program as an economic development tool for job creation and investment.

Our Mission

The National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones (NAFTZ), an association of public and private members, is the collective voice of the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Program. The NAFTZ is the Program’s principal educator and the leader in demonstrating the program’s value and role in the changing environment of international trade. NAFTZ is instrumental in supporting economic development objectives and global competitiveness of its members by providing a forum for disseminating relevant information, and advocacy support on international trade issues.

What We've Achieved Together

The FTZ program continues to set new milestones.

 

Our Leadership

Our Board of Directors is a distinguished group of volunteers who bring experience, diversity, and passion in trade. Our members elect the Board to provide strategic direction to the Association. Board members also serve as ambassadors for the Association.

Over the years, the NAFTZ has been privileged to extend honorary life memberships to individuals who have had a significant impact on the FTZ community. Honorary Life Members are elected by the recommendation of the Board of Directors and a majority vote of the members present at the Annual Business meeting. These individuals have served the NAFTZ in the capacity of a Director and Officer for a minimum of four terms; provided exceptional leadership for the NAFTZ; and although retired from the NAFTZ Board of Directors they have remained active participants and contributors to the NAFTZ.

NAFTZ also acknowledges and offers profound gratitude for the selfless service of the Past Chairpersons of the Association.

Honorary Life Members are elected by the Board of Directors. These individuals have served the NAFTZ in the capacity of a Director and Officer for a minimum of eight (8) years; provided exceptional leadership; and remain active participants and contributors to the NAFTZ.

Our Bylaws outline the basic purpose of NAFTZ, lists basic policies of NAFTZ, and provides a structure for how the Association is set up.

About Our Team

Board Members

Testimonial participant headshot

NAFTZ Board Member

NAFTZ Board Member

NAFTZ Board Member

NAFTZ Board Member

Ileana Klepeisz

Sean Lydon

Sarah Messeih - Updated

NAFTZ Board Member

NAFTZ Board Member

Diana Urelius

Inland_Logo

Miguel Zamora
NAFTZ Board Member

Trey Boring

Staff

NAFTZ Staff

NAFTZ Staff

NAFTZ Staff

NAFTZ Board Member