Hernández, Cristóbal

Cristóbal Hernández became the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Houston Field Director in January 2018.  Mr. Hernández oversees and directs the activities of twenty CTPAT employees, including two Supervisory Supply Chain Security Specialists.  He manages an annual budget of approximately $405,000.00 for operations and numerous programs that support global supply chain security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strategic goals and CTPAT international efforts.  Moreover, Mr. Hernández brings to his role the extensive knowledge and experience he has accrued from a career focused on both law enforcement and international affairs, dialogue and collaborative initiatives.  Such initiatives include CTPAT Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with Mexico’s Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program.  

Cristóbal Hernández began his law enforcement career in 2003 with the former U.S. Customs Service as an Inspector, stationed at the Southern Border and spent the first two years of his career assigned to immigration and passenger processing. He later transferred to the import/export facilities where he became proficient with foreign trade documentation and processes. Mr. Hernández later joined the CBP Anti-Terrorism & Contraband Enforcement Team where his primary mission was focused on anti-terrorism but also attentive to all types of illegal cargo, smuggling, trade violations and other contraband within the air, sea, rail and cargo environment.

Subsequently, he served as a CTPAT / Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Coordinator where he conducted program outreach, provided guidance to Mexico’s carrier and manufacturing associations, to include the local trade community.

In 2008, he was selected as a Supply Chain Security Specialist (SCSS) for the CTPAT program. He conducted numerous supply chain security validations and advised domestic/foreign companies throughout the world on CTPAT’s minimum security criteria.  In 2012, Mr. Hernández was named CBP Representative at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City.  As a CBP Representative, he became an integral member of the CBP Mexico Attaché Office.  In that capacity, he served as a liaison between the foreign government, CBP Headquarters and CBP field entities.  He supported CBP in the planning, organization, administration, and coordination of all CBP’s U.S / Mexico international programs and initiatives. He later received the Commissioner’s Award for Mission Integration and the Department of State Meritorious Honor Award from the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.

Prior to his directorship, Mr. Hernández served as a Supervisory SCSS in Washington, D.C. He provided CTPAT support and guidance to various foreign customs administrations to assist in the development and/or enhancement of their respective AEO programs.

Mr. Hernández is a recipient of the CBP Commissioner’s Mission Integration Award and the World Customs Organization’s Certificate of Merit.