U.S. Foreign Trade Zone Board Staff Update – August 20, 2026

Earlier today, Liz Whiteman, Executive Secretary, U.S. Foreign-Traded Zones Board, sent a message to grantees and others in the U.S. FTZ community advising that tomorrow, Friday, August 21, will be her final day with the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board staff.

The announcement was unexpected. Liz’s message did not identify a future point of contact or provide information regarding transition plans. We recognize that this news is circulating quickly and that it understandably raises questions throughout the FTZ community.

NAFTZ has reached out to the FTZ Board to request additional information or guidance that can be shared, including information regarding future points of contact. At the time of this communication, we have no information beyond what Liz shared directly, and we will not speculate about the reasons for her departure or what the transition may mean for the FTZ Board’s operations.

There has been no notice of any change to existing FTZ Board procedures or deadlines. Unless and until additional guidance is issued, members should continue to follow those established procedures. NAFTZ will share verified information and any relevant guidance with the membership as soon as it becomes available.

We also want to express our sincere appreciation for Liz’s service to the U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones program and its community. Liz has built strong relationships throughout the U.S. FTZ community, and NAFTZ has greatly valued her engagement and commitment to the program. We wish her the very best in whatever comes next.