Prior to the pandemic, CTPAT validations were almost exclusively conducted in-person. In 2021, CTPAT has conducted nearly 1,000 virtual validations and the Program Director has indicated that virtual validations will continue to be a part of the program for qualifying members moving forward. In this free one-hour webinar, CT Strategies (CTS) Supply Chain Security Experts will join CTPAT program leaders to share insight on how members can best prepare themselves for this new and innovative approach to validation. The panel of experts will discuss the nuances of the developing CTPAT landscape and arm members with vital information for successful validation.
Act quickly. Registration is limited.
On The Panel
Andrew Farrelly, CT Strategies CEO
Andrew Farrelly is the CEO 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. While in government, Andrew devoted himself to the strengthening of United States security interests through an accomplished career with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). During his time with CBP, he significantly developed the operational standards and efficiency as a former Director of Targeting Programs for CBP’s National Targeting Center, as well as in his most recent role as the Chief of Staff for the Deputy Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Shawn Beddows, CT Strategies VP of Global Services
Mr. Shawn Beddows is a World Customs Organization (WCO) accredited Customs Technical and Operational Advisor in the field of Authorized Economic Operator (AEO). He served for 22 years in U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in a variety of roles, including air cargo and passenger operations, maritime operations, supply chain security, and aviation security initiatives. Mr. Beddows spent six years in the CTPAT program as a Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS), manager and (A) Program Director. During his time with CTPAT, he participated in hundreds of validation site visits around the world. Mr. Beddows also served as the Vice-Chairperson of the SAFE Working Group at the WCO and oversaw the final negotiations and signing of the Mutual Recognition Decision between the United States and the European Union.
Ronald May, Customs and Supply Chain Security Expert
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. Mr. May spent 12 years in the CTPAT program as a Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS), manager, and (A) Program Director and participated in hundreds of validations in more than 30 countries. Most recently he served at the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa as the U.S. CBP Attaché to Canada. As CBP’s senior representative to Canada, Mr. May was responsible for coordinating all U.S./Canada border management policies and strategies with the U.S. Ambassador and Canadian Government entities.
Manuel Garza, CTPAT Program Director
Manuel served as the CBP delegate on the Advisory Committee on International Postal and Deliver Services. He was also the CBP Office of Field Operations delegate on the Opioid Detection Challenge and a member of the judging panel. Working on this challenge was one of Manuel’s highlights in his career. “Being able to lead the efforts of the nation to bring together a group of smart individuals to develop a system capable of detecting opioids while still in the package is truly an amazing feet”. CBP has now partnered with the winner of the challenge and they will deliver several systems to locations throughout the U.S. In 2018, Manuel became the Acting Director for the CTPAT. In this role 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. He is also responsible for the policy of the program and the enforcement activities of CTPAT members to include suspension, removal, or conditional reinstatement. Manuel also manages the partnership with twelve other countries which have a mutual recognition arrangement (MRA) with CTPAT and five countries in which we have a joint work plan which can lead to a MRA.
Peter Touhy, Miami CTPAT Field Office Director
Promoted to the position of Director of the Miami CTPAT Field Office in 2018, Mr. Touhy oversees the largest of the CTPAT offices and assumes responsibility for the daily activities and worldwide deployment of 26 Supply Chain Security Specialists, whose primary goal is the security and facilitation of legitimate cargo into the United States. Mr. Touhy previously served as a Supply Chain Security Specialist from 2005 until 2018 and has conducted or participated in over 600 security site visits in over 40 countries. Director Touhy and the Miami CTPAT Field Office were recently recognized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) on International Customs Day for their significant contribution to CBP’s efforts to strengthen the international supply chain.
