CBP Confirms New Leadership for Office of Field Operations

CBP Confirms New Leadership for Office of Field Operations

News from the National Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders Association of America

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed the promotion of Todd C. Owen to Assistant Commissioner and John Wagner to Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Office of Field Operations. CBP Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske and Deputy Commissioner Kevin K. McAleenan made the announcement earlier today at CBP headquarters in Washington, DC.

The Office of Field Operations (OFO), is the largest component in CBP and is responsible for border security-including antiterrorism, immigration, anti-smuggling, trade compliance, and agriculture protection-while simultaneously facilitating the lawful trade and travel at U.S. ports of entry that is critical to our Nation’s economy.

In his new post, Assistant Commissioner Owen is responsible for overseeing the operations of 20 major field offices, 328 ports of entry, and 70 locations in over 40 countries internationally, with a staff of more than 28,000 employees, and an operating budget of $3.2 billion.

NCBFAA President Geoffrey Powell advised Commissioner Kerlikowske and Deputy Commissioner McAleenan that the NCBFAA is very excited with these appointments as both individuals bring vast experience in their prior positions for both enforcement and trade facilitation.

“We have had the opportunity to get to know Mr. Wagner in his acting role of Assistant Commissioner and have worked closely with Mr. Owen in his prior roles as a Program Director, Port Director, Executive Director of Cargo Conveyance and Security, and most recently as DFO in California,” he said. “The NCBFAA looks forward very much to working closely with these key leaders in the future and congratulate both on their new positions. “