Paula M. Connelly, President

Member, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A

Paula Connelly is a member of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A., a leading Customs and international trade law firm.  She has more than 25 years’ experience in customs and international trade matters and works with importers and exporters to address and resolve import and export compliance issues.

Prior to joining ST&R Ms. Connelly ran her own law firm specializing in customs and international trade matters. Ms. Connelly is also a licensed Customs broker and worked for several brokerage companies in the Boston area.

Ms. Connelly serves as legal counsel for the Boston Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association, president of the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade, a member of the AD/CV working group for U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Commercial Customs Operations Advisory Committee, and member of the International Business Advisory Board at Massachusetts Maritime.

In addition, she lectures on numerous import- and export-related topics for various trade organizations, including CONECT, the BCBFAA, the Massachusetts Export Center, and the Chafee Center for International Business at Bryant University. She also teaches a customs broker exam preparation course in the Boston area.

Director of International Logistics, Bob’s Discount Furniture

Amy Elmore is Director of International Logistics for Bob’s Discount Furniture, a privately held furniture company based in Manchester, CT.   In her current role, Amy is responsible for the management of the company’s freight negotiations and contracts and global origin management services. 

Amy has over 20 years’ experience in the Retail Supply Chain industry with a focus in Transportation and Compliance.  Amy has successfully leveraged continuous improvement methodologies to drive service and cost improvements during her career such as implementing origin 3PL operations delivering an improved network model and diversifying a destination network to support a wholesale and retail service model.

In addition to serving as a Board Member for CONECT, Amy is also a member of the Supply Chain Advisory Board for Boston University, Metropolitan College.

Steven Powell is Vice President of CH Powell Company and has been with the company since 1989.  He currently has oversight for the growth and management of the Freight Forwarding services group as well as the company’s International NVO division, Tandem Global Logistics.

In addition, he has responsibility for the IT department which includes development and support of the company’s US based operations and the company’s deployment and support of systems in his locations in Hong Kong, China and India.

Over the last 30 years, he has used his training in IT to further automation efforts, customer service improvements, productivity gains and technical enhancements, affecting aspects of both Import and Export services, to provide a more reliable, streamlined, data rich environment for the company’s customers and employees.

He currently holds the following positions:

IT/Administration committee chairman of NCBFAA’s NEI

Executive Board member of the global network: Tandem Global Logistics

Chairman of the Board of Tandem Global Logistics Netherlands

Previously served as the chairman of the Freight Forwarding Automation Committee of the NCBFAA

Prior to joining CH Powell company, he worked for 3 years at Mass General Hospital as IT Systems Integration and software development Manager.

Jack Bender, Clerk, Scholarship Chair

Director, Strategic Accounts, Visy Global Logistics

Jack Bender has nearly 30 years of logistics, freight forwarding, and global business leadership experience. His career has included sales and operations management positions for several companies, most recently, Jack served as the Vice President of a large international logistics company in their Life Sciences division. He is passionate about developing and leading high performing sales and marketing teams that grow revenue, increase efficiency, and deliver exceptional customer service. A licensed customs broker, Jack holds a B.S. degree in Marketing Management from the University of Rhode Island.

Mary Jo Muoio, Director Representative

Director of Program Management, Amazon

CONECT Board of Directors:

Partner, Meeks, Sheppard, Leo & Pillsbury

Andy Abraham, received her J.D., cum laude, at night at Quinnipiac University, while working full time at Swiss Army Brands, Inc. At Swiss Army, Andy was Director of Traffic and Importing and handled the import and compliance issues for products such as pocket knives, cutlery, watches, sunglasses and apparel. She dealt with classification, valuation, reconciliation, drawback and NAFTA issues. For several years, Swiss Army had an on-site bonded warehouse. She oversaw all procedures and handled all entries and compliance matters for the bonded area. Andy has also dealt with various Canadian customs issues for Swiss Army’s subsidiary in Toronto.

Andy started her career at C. Itoh & Co., a Japanese trading company. She worked in the chemical department handling import and exports.

Andy is the author of Chemical Customs Classification Manual, A Resource for Navigating Chapters 28 and 29 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Polymers and Rubber Customs Classification Manual, A Resource for Understanding Polymers and Rubber in Primary Forms in Chapters 39 and 40 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
Andy received her Custom’s broker license in 1997. She received her B.S. in biology and chemistry from the University of Connecticut. She is admitted to practice in Connecticut and New York.

Matthew Bock

Partner, Bock Trade Law

Matthew Bock is Partner at Bock Trade Law, where his practice is dedicated exclusively to customs and international trade law and import, export controls, and economic sanctions regulatory compliance. Matthew was previously associated with a customs and international trade law firm in Dallas, TX and Ernst and Young’s Global Trade practice in Dallas and Houston, TX. Matthew is also a licensed customs broker and a fluent French speaker, having spent sixteen years in sub-Saharan Africa. Matthew and his firm have been involved with CONECT for many years, and he is honored to play a role in guiding the association as a member of its board of directors.

Nancy Dempsey

Senior Manager, Trade and Compliance Security, Velcro USA, Inc.

As a child, Nancy didn’t say she wanted to be a customs broker when she grew up…  but that is how her career evolved.  Working in air, ocean, express courier and land border ports, her technical background was enhanced through valued mentors and by following examples of industry leaders.  She has been a presenter for the American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) and the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City.  She has taught international logistics at Niagara University, where she continues to be a speaker for their MBA program, and taught management and business ethics as SUNY Empire State College.  Now with Velcro USA Inc., Nancy oversees trade compliance and security on a global scale. 

Nancy is a licensed customs broker and holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies degree from SUNY Empire State College and a Master of Science Degree in Management from Nazareth College of Rochester.   

Sr. Director, Head of International Logistics, Overstock.com

JOHN ESBORN has over four decades of experience in global logistics. His diverse experience is heavily weighted toward startups. He has led start-ups of high-volume parcel sortation hubs; a nationwide final-mile delivery network for large items to your home; Canadian fulfillment operations and started 2 global NVOCCs for e-commerce leaders Overstock and Wayfair, scaling the later to 50,000+ in less than 4 years.  John also formed and Chairs the CONECT Transportation Committee. Come and join! Lastly, John’s take on logistics is that regardless of the amazing, emerging logistics focused technologies, logistics still relies heavily on relationships. The contacts you make and support—and who support you—will make tackling the challenges of global logistics easier. He encourages everyone to build their network, get involved and work to understand a little something about all thing’s logistics!

Chris Grannell, CYP Chair

Manager of Account Management, Mohawk Global

Chris Grannell is the Manager of the Account Management team at Mohawk Global, a supply chain management provider specializing in tailored logistics solutions. Through his 10 years of experience in freight forwarding and compliance, Chris has developed an expertise in exports. He is Hazardous Materials Certified in DOT, IATA and IMDG. Chris is uniquely positioned to support Mohawk Global clients through all fields within the industry as a solution-oriented leader in the organization. Chris serves as the Chairperson for the CONECT Young Professionals Group, which has experienced a period of growth through his program development and networking.

Kerri Hawley, Membership Chair

Senior Customs and Trade Compliance Manager, RG Barry Brands

Prior to joining RG Brands, Kerri served as Sr. Manager of Customs Compliance, Kerri oversees Trade Compliance for the Reef Lifestyle footwear brand. Prior to working for the Reef and Rockport footwear brands, Kerri served as Vice President of Trade Compliance at Janel Group, where she oversaw trade compliance and Customs brokerage services for the company’s 15 offices across the U.S. and led Customs brokerage due diligence and integration for new acquisitions. In previous positions, she specialized in Customs and trade compliance on both the service and importer sides of the business, including positions with Liberty International and TJX Companies. Throughout her 20 years in the industry, Kerri has developed in-depth expertise across a broad spectrum of commodities, including footwear, apparel, housewares, food, cosmetics, metals, and machinery. She is a licensed Customs broker and a Certified Customs Specialist.  She currently serves on CONECT’s Board of Directors and Customs Committee.

Christa Hurley

Director Trade Compliance, Allegro Microsystems

Christa Hurley is the Director Trade Compliance at Allegro Microsystems. She has more than 20 years of global operational experience within supply chain and operations. Christa is responsible for her divisions Global Services (import/export/logistics/warehouse operations), including all compliance and security programs. She is responsible for conducting import, export trade diligence, developing strategy and negotiating terms and agreements. She is well versed in U.S. State, Commerce, Customs and Treasury regulations and is involved in numerous partnership programs with customs authorities including: CEE, CTPAT, PIP and AEO. Christa served on COAC Trade Modernization Subcommittee – Center Uniformity Working Group with CBP in 2017.

Christa has served in various capacities in local and national trade associations. She has been on CONECT’s Board since 2012, serving as the Vice President from 2013-2016. She serves on the Editorial Board of American Shippers Magazine since 2017.  Christa earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University, graduating with honors.

Kendall Kellaway III

Vice President, Commercial, RoadOne IntermodaLogistics

Kendall Kellaway is Vice President, Commercial of RoadOne IntermodaLogistics. Kendall has literally grown up in the transportation industry: His family is one of the founders of RoadOne, the largest intermodal trucking company in the U.S. and a provider of port and rail container drayage, terminal operations, dedicated truckload services, and transloading, warehousing, and distribution solutions across the United States and Canada.

As Vice President, Commercial Kendall is responsible for the company’s national sales team and efforts, its brokerage division, new agent outreach and sales, and marketing and public relations.

His experience gives him knowledge of not only New England-based supply chains, but also of nearly every port and railhead in the country, while his extensive travels in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas give him a global perspective. As one of the younger members on CONECT’s Board of Directors, Kendall will be active in the CONECT Young Professionals (CYP) group, helping to bring more young industry professionals into the organization.

The Norwell, Mass., native sits on the boards of E*Fill America, a provider of warehousing and distribution services, and E*Dray, a collaborative drayage platform. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Babson College, where he was captain of the rugby team. He also was captain of both the football and wrestling teams in high school. 

Founder and President, K2 Trade Solutions

Karen Kenney is the founder and President of K2 Trade Solutions, LLC, a global trade management advisory firm that assists companies in optimizing their supply chains to save time and money and reduce risk.

Prior to K2 Trade Solutions, Ms. Kenney served as the President of Janel Group, a public, global logistics service provider with 15 offices across the U.S. There she led all aspects of the company’s business, including the planning and execution of the company’s long term growth strategy around the globe. In previous roles, she served as Vice President of Global Partnerships for Janel Group and President of Liberty International.

She’s held positions across the supply chain and has more than 30 years’ experience in Customs brokerage, freight forwarding, cargo security and the creation and implementation of supply chain technology solutions. She’s led the sourcing, due diligence and successful integration of several Customs brokerage and freight forwarding acquisitions, as well as expansion efforts into new service locations. Ms. Kenney was instrumental in developing overseas agency networks, traveling extensively in Asia, and has been active in key account sales.

Ms. Kenney is a founding member of the Coalition of New England Companies for Trade (CONECT) and sits on CONECT’s Board of Directors. Ms. Kenney is a past member of CBP’s 12th and 13th COACs (Commercial Operations Advisory Committee), and currently serves on the COAC’s AD/CVD subcommittee.

Alison Leavitt

Managing Director, Wine and Spirits Shippers Association (WSSA)

Alison Leavitt has been involved in the international logistics industry for over 25 years. She served as the Director of Business Development at Albatrans Inc., a global freight forwarder headquartered in Florence Italy for 14 years, working on national accounts and strategic initiatives. Alison is currently the Managing Director of the Wine and Spirits Shippers Association, representing over 500 members involved in the imports and export of alcoholic beverages and related products. Alison is a licensed customs broker and is on the board of the Maine Port Authority and is the Maine State Chair for CONECT, as well as serving on the Editorial Board of American Shipper. Ms. Leavitt has worked in all aspects of ship agency work, customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and contract negotiations. She resides in Portland, Maine with her two children.

Meghan Leonard

Director of Supply Chain, The Town Dock

Meghan Leonard is the Director of Supply Chain for The Town Dock, one of the largest calamari suppliers in the United States and a key player in the international marketplace. In her current position, Meghan manages Global Logistics, U.S. logistics, Inventory, Cold Storage and Procurement. Meghan is also the Director of The Town Dock’s Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) sustainability program.

Meghan has experience collaborating with overseas vendors, customers and manufacturing plants for compliance requirements from packaging to certificates for clearance. She developed the Town Dock’s Global Logistics Department and has over 8 years’ experience negotiating Reefer container rates and contracts.

Meghan is a member of National Fisheries Institute (NFI), Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, and Women in Seafood (WIS). She is HACCP certified and works closely with the United States Department of Commerce (USDC) on global requirements for Seafood trade.

Bette Little

Director of Global Logistics and Customs Compliance for Talbots

Bette Little was the Director of Global Logistics and Customs Compliance for Talbots Inc. located in Hingham and Lakeville Massachusetts. Bette oversees Customs Compliance, export, audit, inbound Logistics along with Global Logistics teams. She is also responsible for the C-TPAT program of which Talbots is a Tier 3 Importer and currently a member of the CEE located in San Francisco.

Bette was previously Director of Customs for the Adidas Group. She has had management roles with Chadwick-Miller and New England Pottery where she managed the Customs Team, negotiated ocean contracts and had full oversight for all Supply Chain Operations.

Past President of CONECT and Board member since 1995. She is a Licensed Customs Broker and Certified Customs Specialist, as well as a member of the Foreign Commerce Club of Boston, International Compliance Professionals Association and AAFA. A graduate of Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts, Bette holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration.

Erin Merkel

Director of Maritime Business & Trade Lane Development at the Massachusetts Port Authority

Erin Merkel is the Director of Maritime Business & Trade Lane Development at the Massachusetts Port Authority, a quasi-public agency in Boston, MA. In her current role, Erin oversees the development of maritime business activities and trade lanes. Her responsibilities include building strategic partnerships, identifying new trade opportunities, and enhancing the overall efficiency of port operations.

Erin has a rich background in global logistics, supply chain management, and process improvement. With over a decade of experience in the industry, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in optimizing supply chains and driving business growth. Erin has successfully helped to scale and grow operational and commercial teams and is passionate about making global trade easier for everyone.

Jim Mitchell

Account Manager, OOCL (USA), Inc.

Jim Mitchell serves on the CONECT Board as the State Chair for Massachusetts and brings over 35 years of work experience as an international transportation and supply chain management professional. Jim is a long time employee of OOCL (USA), Inc. and is their Account Manager for New England. Jim is in his 28th year of service with the company. During his tenure with OOCL, Jim has assisted his many customers with ocean freight services, supply chain management solutions, vendor management systems and domestic distribution alternatives. As CONECT’s State Chair for Massachusetts, he welcomes the challenges and opportunities to contribute to the international trade community and make a difference. Jim graduated from Southern New Hampshire University, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing.

James Mulvehill

Managing Director, KPMG LLP

James Mulvehill is a Managing Director and the trade and customs leader for New England and Upstate New York (NEUNY) in KPMG’s Trade & Customs practice based in the Boston office. During his 15+ years in the trade and customs field James has gained extensive experience assisting a broad range of clients with customs compliance and opportunity, as well as export controls compliance and management. In recent years, James has focused on and is a recognized leader in the industry on managing trade through disruption. James’ focus has been on helping companies manage their supply chain, mitigate the tariff impact caused by changes in global trade policy, and through increased customs enforcement. James works with clients in the chemical, textile and apparel, consumer goods, technology, automotive, life sciences, industrial, electronics, and aerospace and defense sectors.

Prior to joining KPMG James practiced with another Big 4 trade and customs consulting firm, as well as with a global trade law firm.

James is a regular speaker and contributor at trade industry conferences and seminars and looks forward to contributing as a Board Member for CONECT.

Robert Silverman

Partner, GDLSK

Robert Silverman is a founding partner of the New York based law firm of Grunfeld, Desiderio, Lebowitz, Silverman & Klestadt LLP.  GDSLK is one of the largest law firms specializing in Customs law and related trade matters.  Before entering into private practice to form the firm, Mr. Silverman served as a trial attorney in the Customs Section of the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice where he represented U.S. Customs in proceedings before the Court of International Trade, Federal District Courts, and the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

The firm’s clients include importers, exporters, retailers, foreign manufacturers, buying agents, trading companies, trade associations, customshouse brokers, and foreign governments.  Mr. Silverman and his firm act as Customs and trade counsel to some of the largest and most prestigious multinational companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of luxury goods, apparel, footwear, electronics, automobiles, and food products.  The firm also represents exporters in connection with compliance issues and has an entire group dedicated to antidumping and trade matters.

Mr. Silverman routinely assists these clients in structuring their import transactions in order to minimize Customs duties, ensure regulatory compliance and eliminate Customs penalty exposure.  He represents companies during Customs audits involving classification, valuation and eligibility under Free Trade Agreements such as NAFTA, CAFTA, AGOA, GSP, etc.; Customs investigations, seizures, exclusions, penalty and liquidated damages assessments.  He also is responsible for firm litigation matters before the federal courts. He has written and lectured widely on Customs and trade issues.  He graduated cum laude from law school, and was on the law review.  He has an undergraduate degree in accounting.  He has authored “Analysis of the Customs Regulations Regarding Customs Brokers,” and he serves as customs counsel to the NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association.  He has authored numerous articles for Metropolitan Corporate Counsel and other trade publications.  He has been recognized in “The International Who’s Who of Business Lawyers.”

Nicole Uchrin

Managing Director, Gemini Shippers Group

Nicole Uchrin has been involved in international transportation, logistics and global supply chain for almost 30 years. Nicole spent twelve years in Trans-Pacific Eastbound Sales and as Area Sales Manager for Hapag-Lloyd, America before becoming the Managing Director of Gemini Shippers Association. She is responsible for negotiating global contracts and managing ocean carrier relations on behalf of Gemini’s 300 member companies. Nicole consults on global supply chain logistics strategies to executives of small to large companies and Gemini’s long term commercial strategy.