Wendy Crossman is a seasoned leader with 27 years of experience in operations, supply chain, and procurement. Her career includes significant contributions at both Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems, where she has led teams across various commodities and programs.
Wendy has played a pivotal role in supporting major OEMs, including Boeing, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Sikorsky, and several defense primes. Her expertise includes managing classified platforms with a strong focus on operational excellence and strategic sourcing.
In her new position at Incora, Wendy is dedicated to building a team that supports supplier development, further enhancing her impact in the industry.
Wendy is a lifelong learner and holds a doctorate in Business and Global Supply Chain Management. Her diverse academic portfolio includes a Master of Business Law, a Master of Education, a Master of Human Resource and Organizational Design, and a Bachelor of Arts.
This extensive educational background enables Wendy to blend her business acumen with expertise in business law, education, and organizational development, positioning her as a unique strategic asset in complex and high-stakes environments.
Shawn D. Sullivan is the Executive Vice President of Tax Services at Allen, Gibbs & Houlik, L.C., where he has built a successful career over the past 25 years. He specializes in International and Corporate Tax Services and has earned the prestigious U.S. International Tax: Inbound and Outbound Transactions Certification.
In his role, Shawn performs business and tax consulting and oversees the management of specialty services. These services include Cost Segregation Studies, IC-DISC, international tax consulting, R&D Tax Credit Studies, IPIC LIFO inventory, and Kansas High Performance Incentive Plan credits.
Shawn brings extensive industry expertise in sectors such as automobile dealerships, manufacturing, retail and wholesale distribution, construction, and medical. He primarily works with companies with annual revenues ranging from $10m to $400m.
Shawn is also a graduate of Wichita State University, where he gained the foundational knowledge that supports his expertise in tax services.
Seth Merrell serves as the Section Chief for the Headquarters Field Operations Directorate at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. His team is responsible for a comprehensive portfolio that includes quality initiatives, staffing models, work projections, evidence-based strategy and policy, data management, and analytics to support over 110 facilities
Seth’s commitment to quality and performance improvement significantly enhances organizational and operational efficiency. His diverse background spans both corporate and government sectors, alongside a distinguished military career.
Before his current role, Seth worked in his family’s businesses, which included fine jewelry and wine and beer importing. He notably introduced Spanish beer to the U.S. market. After serving in the military, he shifted his focus to spare parts engineering, price-cost analysis, and supply chain management in the aircraft industry. He has also shared his knowledge as an adjunct instructor.
Currently a Doctor of Business Administration candidate, Seth is researching Authentic Leadership and Turnover Intention in the U.S. federal government. He holds an MBA, an MS Ed, and a BS in Human Resource Management. Additionally, he has achieved certifications in Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Program Management, Supply Chain Management, and an Operations Management Certificate from Wichita State University.
Sarah E. Braden is the Manager of International Banking at INTRUST Bank, N.A. in Wichita, KS. With over 20 years of experience in the International Department, Sarah began her career as an International Wire Clerk and has since developed a focus on international trade practice and policy.
In 2002, Sarah graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in international business and economics. In 2015, Sarah obtained the Certified Documentary Credit Specialist (CDCS) certification, establishing herself as one of the few professionals in the Midwest with this credential.
She is an active member of the World Trade Council of Wichita and participates in the Kansas International Trade Coordinating Council (KITCC), contributing to her commitment to enhancing international trade in the region.
Bob Hartsook is a recognized global leader in philanthropy and high-end fundraising. As Chair of Hartsook, one of the world’s largest fundraising consulting firms, and President of the Hartsook Institutes for Applied Fundraising Research, Bob has committed his career to advancing the field of philanthropy.
Among his many accomplishments, Bob led Wichita State University to successfully complete one of the nation’s first $100 million fundraising campaigns in the 1980s, marking a significant milestone in the university’s fundraising efforts.
Bob’s dedication to philanthropy has earned him numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Emporia State University, the Spirit of Philanthropy Award from Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy, and an honorary Doctorate of Business from Plymouth University, UK.
He holds multiple degrees in Economics, Counseling, Law, and Education, showcasing his diverse academic pursuits.
An accomplished author, Bob has published six books, including “231 Billion Raised and Counting,” co-authored with Matthew J. Beem and Karin Cox, along with numerous articles and chapters focused on fundraising and philanthropy.
Additionally, Bob is the President and CEO of Hartsook Farms and Resorts, LLC, which specializes in properties located in Wrightsville Beach, NC, and Maine.
Rob Harmon is the Managing Director of Syndicated Lending at INTRUST Bank. He has 30+ years of banking experience in financial accounting, bank operations, and commercial lending. Rob serves on the board of directors of Goodwill Industries of Kansas, Prairie Homestead Independent Living Center, Visit Wichita Convention and Visitor Bureau, and the World Trade Council of Wichita. He is a Wichita State University graduate with degrees in accounting and economics.
Ray Garvey, a proud alumnus of Wichita State University (’83), began his journey with the World Trade Council in 1982 as a member of the Directory Committee. After obtaining his MBA in 2000, he joined The Grasshopper Company, recognized as a global leader in commercial grounds maintenance equipment. He now serves as Export Manager, overseeing operations in over 40 international markets.
In 2015, Ray began teaching International Marketing as an Adjunct Professor in Friends University’s Global MBA Program, which he greatly values. He has been part of the World Trade Council board for over a decade and joined the Kansas Global Trade Services board in 2018.
Ray’s commitment to international business led him to serve on the Mid-America District Export Council from 2017 to 2020, a role appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. He is also involved with Toastmasters International and guest lectures at Aix-Marseille University, and he enjoys traveling with his wife, Teresa.
Ray and Teresa have a special connection to Seattle, where their three children currently reside.
Pierre Harter serves as the Associate Vice President for Research and Industry Engagement at Wichita State University (WSU). In this capacity, he oversees research and development (R&D) programs, identifies new opportunities for partnerships, and develops growth strategies for both academic and industry researchers.
Before joining WSU, Pierre was the Executive Director of Advanced Manufacturing Strategy at Spirit AeroSystems, where he held previous executive roles in program management and R&D. Earlier in his career, he was an Engineering Director at Bombardier Learjet and worked as a consultant in the aerospace industry in Denver, CO.
Additionally, Pierre has served as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Designated Engineering Representative (DER). He has held various engineering and executive leadership positions at Adam Aircraft Industries, where he developed and certified general aviation aircraft.
Pierre earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Wichita State University, along with an MBA from Newman University.
Patrick Binger has been with Cargill for nearly 33 years. He started his career with Cargill’s red meat subsidiary, Excel Corporation, in 1986 after graduating from Northern State University in South Dakota.
In 1991, despite having no prior export experience, Patrick expanded his responsibilities to join Cargill’s growing export business. For the past 12 years, he has led an international business segment for Cargill’s North American protein operations based in Wichita, KS.
Patrick is optimistic about future export growth, focusing on expanding the product mix and increasing carcass utilization. He has also served as Chair of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, a nonprofit trade association that aims to create new opportunities and develop existing international markets for beef, pork, lamb, and veal.
Mark E. Klein is the Managing Director of Lender Accounts at EXIM, where he collaborates with lenders nationwide to promote products and services beneficial to both banks and their exporting clients.
In addition to his managing director role, Mark serves as Regional Director, assisting exporters of all sizes across the Midwest with a focus on Kentucky, Ohio, Missouri, and Kansas. He supports businesses throughout the Central Regional Office’s 19-state territory.
Mark has been with EXIM Bank for over 11 years. EXIM is the official Export Credit Agency of the U.S., committed to financing U.S. goods and services in international markets to boost export sales and support U.S. jobs.
Before joining EXIM, Mark worked as an International Banking Services Specialist for three commercial banks, advising exporters in several states, including Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia, on topics such as Letters of Credit, Foreign Exchange Risk Mitigation, and Export Credit Insurance.
Mark graduated from the University of Louisville with both undergraduate and MBA degrees. He also holds the Certified International Credit Professional (CICP) designation from FCIB and resides in Louisville, KY.
Louis Lebrandi is a principal at Deloitte Consulting LLP, specializing in the manufacturing sector and leading the firm’s Supply Chain and Network Operations practice.
With over 25 years of experience in smart operations and supply chain management, Louis excels at addressing core business operational challenges. His expertise includes executing manufacturing strategies, improving operations, reducing costs, increasing market speed, and enhancing supply chain performance.
Louis’ extensive industry and consulting experience includes a wide variety of products and spans work in multiple countries. Throughout his career, he has focused primarily on the automotive, aerospace, and industrial products sectors. His roles have spanned operations, quality, and complex program management.
Louis is particularly skilled in optimizing complex supply chains from product development through operations and delivery. He leads Smart Factory initiatives at original equipment manufacturers to improve near-term performance and facilitate transformative changes across the entire value chain.
Laura Lombard is the Director of the International Division for the Kansas Department of Commerce. Her mission is to expand Kansas’ exports and attract foreign direct investment to the state, which will significantly contribute to the local economy.
Laura previously held the position of President and CEO of Kansas Global Trade Services. She has also been an active participant on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC-9), focusing on Small, Minority, and Women-Led Businesses. In addition, she serves as the Vice Chair of the Mid-America District Export Council.
Laura graduated with a master’s degree in international relations and economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies from the University of Kansas.
Juan Escalante serves as Vice President of Sales for Textron Aviation, where he leads the global sales organization for the SkyCourier. Since joining Textron in 2007, he has held various leadership positions across multiple regions, including Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Juan has managed a multi-hundred-million-dollar portfolio and successfully led cross-functional teams in sales, credit, and customer service. In Latin America, he played a pivotal role in Textron Financial’s operations, driving sales of over 200 new aircraft and generating more than $500 million in revenue.
Before joining Textron, Juan served as Vice President of Global Finance for AirFinance, where he structured Export Credit financing for U.S. aircraft manufacturers. He has conducted business in over 50 countries and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Juan holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and an MBA from Wichita State University, where he was also the captain of the Men’s Tennis Team. Additionally, he is an alumnus of Thunderbird University’s Executive Leadership Program.
An avid marathon runner and proud father, Juan also serves on the board of Educational Communities Worldwide, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting education and leadership. Originally from Argentina, he currently resides in Wichita, KS.
Jeff Gordon is the Director of Learjet Strategy and Business Development for Bombardier Business Aircraft in Wichita, KS. He began his career with Bombardier-Learjet in 1995, assuming various roles in Customer Support, Aftermarket Worldwide Distributions, Supplier Management, and Material Management before advancing to his current position.
Originally from Rose Hill, KS, Jeff is a Private Pilot who brings a wealth of experience to his role. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s in Management Science from Friends University.
Edo Geromel has been a valued member of Cargill since 1999, joining the Wichita Corporate Headquarters for Cargill’s Protein Group in 2003. Currently, he serves as the Replenishment Manager for Case Ready, overseeing operations across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, which requires him to travel occasionally.
Edo and his Cargill team manage a substantial inventory worth $1.5 billion annually, ensuring that protein products are sent to processing plants. His accountability extends to servicing customers from major supermarket chains such as Wal-Mart, Aldi, Target, Hy-Vee, Wegmans, and Braum’s.
Edo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science from the University of Georgia with a minor in International Business and a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain from Wichita State University.
Edo’s family has roots in Brazil, where they travel annually. Additionally, soccer is a passion that takes the family around the world.
Colonel Donald McClure serves as a Senior Policy Analyst in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, located in Washington, D.C. He has a distinguished military career and previously commanded the 184th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Group at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, overseeing three squadrons that support global intelligence requirements.
Commissioned in 2004, Col. McClure has held various key leadership roles, including Squadron Commander of the 184th Intelligence Support Squadron and Ground ISR Branch Chief at the Air National Guard Readiness Center. His deployments include significant support for OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM and OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM, as well as service with the 45th Expeditionary Special Operations Squadron in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
A graduate of the Air War College Grand Strategy Program, Col. McClure holds a Master of Strategic Studies and a Master of Military Operational Art and Science. His numerous awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, and Joint Meritorious Unit Award. With over two decades of dedicated service, he has played a crucial role in intelligence operations, cyber readiness, and strategic leadership across the Air National Guard.
April Chiang is the International Project Manager in the International Division of the Kansas Department of Commerce. In this role, she oversees various trade, investment, and foreign affairs projects that facilitate cooperation between Kansas and the Greater China Region.
April is responsible for managing several significant programs, including the Kansas International Trade Show Assistance Program (KITSAP), the Kansas International Trade Marketing Assistance Program (KITMAP), and the Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year Award. Additionally, she actively participates in the Kansas-Henan Sister-States Relationship, fostering strong ties between the regions.
With over 20 years of experience at Kansas Commerce, April has successfully led numerous business initiatives with companies and government entities across China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Prior to her current role, she held managerial positions in the apparel industry at multinational companies, including K-Mart Taiwan Ltd., and worked as an Executive Recruiter for KPMG Taiwan.
April holds a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Culture University in Taiwan, a certificate from the International Business Education and Research (IBEAR) Program at the University of Southern California, and an MBA from Washburn University. Additionally, she has taught International Business courses as an adjunct professor for Washburn University’s MBA program.
Amir Etezazi was elected Chief Executive Officer of Etezazi-Industries in 2014. Etezazi-Industries Inc. (EII) is recognized as a leading company specializing in industrial engineering, design, and manufacturing of machined parts and components.
Etezazi-Industries also offers IT support to government and defense clients, as well as to prominent aviation and aerospace manufacturers. The company is equipped to handle Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing (DEM) projects alongside short-term projects, reverse engineering, mold and die design, and high-quantity production and assemblies.
Before he was elected CEO, Amir served as the Director of Operations/Business Development for Etezazi-Industries. His leadership guides the organization in delivering exceptional engineering and manufacturing solutions.
Abbie Booth is the Vice President of F.H. Kaysing Company, bringing 24 years of experience in international trade. She earned her Customs Broker License in 2009 and is responsible for managing the brokerage firm’s daily operations.
A Wichita native, Abbie graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from Wichita State University in 2003. Her academic achievements underpin her expertise in navigating the complexities of international trade.
Abbie has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for 23 years and is a proud mother of two sons. She values education and continuously seeks to stay informed in the ever-changing trade environment and governing regulations.
Abbie is an active member of the National Customs Broker and Forwarders Association of America. She also participates in the Trade Support Network, a forum for the trade community to gather information and provide input on U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s modernization efforts.
A.J. Anderson is the director of the Wichita office of the U.S. Commercial Service, a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s global network. His office is dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized businesses in their efforts to expand exports.
Under A.J.’s leadership, the office provides a range of services, including export counseling, market insights, international partner connections, and advocacy services tailored to meet the needs of local businesses.
A Wichita native and a proud graduate of Wichita State University, A.J. possesses extensive experience in international banking and trade risk mitigation. His career includes notable roles at Koch Industries before he joined the U.S. Commercial Service in 2003.
Since taking over the Wichita office in 2006, A.J. has become a Certified International Credit Professional and remains actively involved in the Aerospace and Agribusiness Teams within the U.S. Commercial Service, ensuring businesses have the resources they need to thrive in international markets.
Ted J. Vlamis recently retired from his role as Vice President of Pioneer Balloon Company after an impressive 42-year career. His primary focus during this time was on Pioneer’s International Business. Under his leadership, Pioneer embarked on its international market journey, building sales revenue to exceed $50 million annually, which accounted for approximately 50% of the company’s total revenue.
Following his retirement, Ted established Vlamis International Business Advisors, LLC (VIBA), which offers advisory services on a wide range of international business issues and markets.
Ted was pivotal in establishing wholly owned subsidiaries in several countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, and Brazil. He oversaw all international sales activities, with sales extending to over 100 countries, including all major markets.
His responsibilities included managing Pioneer’s manufacturing operations in Canada and Mexico, as well as facilities for sales printing and distribution in Canada, the UK, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and a sales office in Malaysia.
Pioneer has received multiple accolades during Ted’s tenure, including the Wichita World Trade Council Exporter of the Year, the Kansas Governor’s Exporter of the Year, and the U.S. Department of Commerce E Award for Excellence in International Business.
Dr. Usha Haley holds the W. Frank Barton Distinguished Chair in International Business, is a Kansas Faculty of Distinction, and serves as a tenured Professor of Management at the Barton School of Business, Wichita State University. As Chair of the World Trade Council of Wichita, she is committed to promoting nuanced, timely and expert insights into global trade and commerce.
Dr. Haley is an internationally recognized scholar who has held faculty positions at prestigious institutions on five continents, including Harvard University, the Australian National University, ITESM-Monterrey, Mexico and the National University of Singapore. Her research specializes in multinational corporations, political and economic environments, international strategy, tariffs and subsidies, emerging markets, innovation, and the dynamics of business-government relations.
Dr. Haley’s scholarly work includes over 400 publications and presentations, consisting of eight books several on global best-seller lists, and numerous articles in top-tier journals, such as the Journal of International Business Studies, Harvard Business Review, California Management Review, Journal of Management Studies, and Human Relations. Her research has significantly influenced over 40 regulatory policies and played a crucial role in shaping U.S. and EU trade regulations concerning Chinese subsidies.
Dr. Haley has been called to testify before the U.S. Senate, the International Trade Commission, and various other key agencies, contributing to the development of federal legislation and trade policy.
She has successfully secured major research grants, including those from the National Science Foundation, and has served on nine corporate and governmental boards. Moreover, Dr. Haley has delivered keynote addresses at global forums, enhancing her reputation as a thought leader in international business.
Recognized with numerous global, national and local awards for her impact through research and teaching , Dr. Haley’s accolades include the Academy of Management’s Practice Impact Award, Emerald Publishing’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Economist’s Thought Leader on Emerging Markets. Additionally, she has been honored as one of the Wichita Business Journal’s Women Who Lead in Education. Her research has been featured over 1,000 times in global media outlets such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Economist, Bloomberg BW, Forbes, Fortune, the Times of London, CNN, PBS, and NPR.
Dr. Haley holds a PhD and MPhil from NYU’s Stern School of Business, an MA in International Relations from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a BA in Politics from the University of Bombay.
