NEW ORLEANS —When Terence Hudson joined the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) New Orleans Field Office as the new Assistant Director of Field Operations (ADFO), he said he had two goals in mind: mission and relationships.
“I want to lead by example and provide guidance and direction to the employees who work for me and be a stable source of assistance to my coworkers, law enforcement partners, and stakeholders,” he said. “Secondly, I want to ensure that I and the staff are in step with the vision of Director, to ensure we move the agency in the right direction going forward.”
Hudson, an Air Force veteran who has worked for CBP for 23 years, was sworn in as the CBP New Orleans ADFO in October 2019, after leaving CBP’s Atlanta Field Office, where he was the Watch Commander for the Area Port of Charleston, S.C. As ADFO, he oversees all federal enforcement activities within the New Orleans Area of Responsibility, which encompasses 18 ports of entry within Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. He also coordinates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in each state, and oversees trade operations, including international cargo entering and exiting the ports of entry.
“I meet with stakeholders, who are conducting business and require information and feedback on how we can work better to foster ideas to improve the movement of cargo and goods,” he explained. “The mission has changed drastically since I started (working for CBP) and is evolving daily, so we must adapt and stay current to match the challenges being presented today and in the future.”
Hudson’s background includes inspectional and operational experience in air operations, both passenger and cargo. He is also experienced in seaport operations, including cargo, vessel, and passenger processing.
“Mr. Hudson’s experience, operational background, and leadership skills make him well suited for this key management position,” said Steven Stavinoha, CBP New Orleans’ DFO. “He will continue to represent the Office of Field Operations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the utmost professionalism and integrity.
This is Hudson’s first time living in New Orleans, but he said he is very excited to be here.
“The people are very friendly and the food is wonderful!” he said. “The people are diehard fans of the Saints and LSU Tigers; I love their enthusiasm! I feel like this will be an exciting place to work and live. I’m looking forward to learning more about the culture and history of the city.”
Hudson’s arrival at CBP makes the field office leadership nearly as diverse as the city.
“I feel like New Orleans is a diverse city, with people coming from all over the world to live and work here,” he said. “I have lived and worked abroad, so my experience working with people of different backgrounds and cultural experiences will help tremendously. I feel like the diversity that I bring to the Field Office will enhance operations and inspire those who are seeking to move up within the organization to feel as if possibilities are attainable and achievable.”