
CT Strategies is proud to have joined this years Port of the Future Virtual Conference hosted by the University of Houston. The event provided corporate leaders, trade and logistics professionals, government officials, and leading researchers the opportunity to examine an expanding and evolving vision of future Ports of Entry. The event addressed the urgent and immediate issues facing ports of entry, regulators and associated industries, including:
- Decarbonization, sustainability and alternative fuels
- Port resiliency and security challenges and solutions (physical and cyber)
- Digitalization and data sharing
- Automation opportunities
- Advances in Biometrics
The Port of the Future Virtual Conference is shaped by research and innovation, advances in technology, increased dependence on automation, enhancements in data security and information sharing, and heightened environmental compliance – all impacting the ability to move cargo and people rapidly and securely across international borders. In an age where procedural and technological advancement in trade plays a vital role in the state of our economy and national security, conversations between leaders in the industry and government help to broaden awareness of the issues to be addressed in the near and far future. CT Strategies, Andrew Farrelly, Shawn Beddows, and Ron May joined industry and government leaders to discuss the rising issues and advancements in NII technologies and the CTPAT program.
Panel: Non Intrusive Inspection and Scanning Technologies
Panel Participants
Andrew Farrelly is the co-founder of CT Strategies, which provides strategic services to clients seeking current and innovative insight into border management and supply chain challenges in the U.S. and around the world.
Dimitry Kurouski earned his M. S. in Biochemistry from Belarusian State University, Belarus and Ph. D. (Distinguished Dissertation) in Analytical Chemistry from SUNY Albany, NY, USA.
Shawn Beddows is a World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Customs Technical and Operational Advisor in the field of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Associated Global Trusted Trader Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA). Currently, Beddows is the VP of Global Services for CT Strategies.
Thomas Overacker is the Executive Director of Cargo and Conveyance Security (CCS) at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Headquarters in Washington, DC.
Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism
Panel Participants
Manuel Garza Jr. is the National Director for the CPTAT Program. There, he directs a team of nearly 180 employees in six field offices to conduct supply chain security validations throughout the globe. He is responsible for the management of nearly 11,600 CTPAT participants including 309 Trade Compliance members and 366 Tier 3 members.
James Kniestedt is the President and Founder of Gravick Group LLC, a veteran owned privately-held company that offers a suite of Security consulting and training programs,
Mr. Ronald May is a supply chain security and customs operations expert with over 31 years of experience serving U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the legacy U.S. Customs Service.
Shawn Beddows is a World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Customs Technical and Operational Advisor in the field of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Associated Global Trusted Trader Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA). Currently, Beddows is the VP of Global Services for CT Strategies.
Floyd Dixon has a combined 40 years of law enforcement and corporate security experience. For the past 15 years, Floyd has served as a Managing Director of Corporate Security for FedEx with oversight of all FedEx Freight security operations.