DHS CFO Maner, CBP Deputy Commissioner Spero

Washington, DC: The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America, Inc. (NCBFAA) announced today that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Andrew Maner and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Deputy Commissioner Deborah Spero will address the Monday, September 20, session of the 2004 NCBFAA Government Affairs Conference (GAC) at the Wyndham Washington, D.C. hotel. 
        Each year the NCBFAA sponsors a Government Affairs Conference, here in Washington, DC, to inform its members about the current issues and concerns affecting our profession that federal policymakers are addressing. We expect more than 100 business owners and senior industry executives to participate in this high-level program on September 19 – 21.
        The topic of DHS CFO Maner’s 10 a.m. presentation will be "Balancing Security and Trade." At her luncheon address, Deputy Commissioner Spero will discuss NCBFAA access to policy and decision makers, and collaboration and consultation in partnership building.
        As CFO, Mr. Maner is responsible for all budget, finance and accounting, strategic planning and evaluation, GAO liaison, bankcard programs, and financial systems for the Department. He is also responsible for the on-going integration of all those functions within the third largest cabinet agency in government with over 180,000 employees and a budget of nearly $40 billion.
        In her capacity as Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Spero provides leadership and executive-level direction to CBP's day-to-day operations. This includes oversight of agency initiatives that facilitate the international movement of legitimate, low-risk goods and travelers while promoting effective border security.
        With headquarters in Washington, DC, the NCBFAA (members.ncbfaa.org) represents nearly 700 member companies - the nation's leading freight forwarders, customs brokers, ocean transportation intermediaries (OTIs) and air cargo agents. Established in 1897 in New York, NCBFAA is the strong, effective national voice of the industry. Through its various committees, counsel and representatives, the Association maintains a close watch over legislative and regulatory issues that affect its members. It keeps them informed of these and other related issues through its weekly Monday Morning eBriefing, Quarterly NCBFAA Bulletin, and various meetings and conferences throughout the year.