WASHINGTON – Today, senior leadership of U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued the following joint statement reiterating their support for Ian Saunders as the U.S. candidate for the upcoming Secretary General election of the World Customs Organization (WCO).
The below statement was made jointly by CBP senior leaders: Troy A. Miller, Senior Official Performing the Duties of Commissioner; Benjamine “Carry” Huffman, Acting Deputy Commissioner; Pete R. Flores, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations; Raul L. Ortiz, Chief, U.S. Border Patrol; AnnMarie Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade; Jonathan P. Miller, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Air and Marine Operations; Manuel Padilla Jr., Executive Assistant Commissioner, Operations Support; and Ryan J. Scudder, Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner, Enterprise Services.
“It is with immense pride and unwavering confidence that we reaffirm our support of Mr. Ian Saunders for the position of Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO). As an exemplary public servant with more than 30 years of experience in customs and international trade, Mr. Saunders has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the global customs community and the unique challenges it faces. His customs and trade expertise, strategic thinking, and diplomatic acumen make him the ideal candidate to lead the WCO in these times of rapid global change.
“Embodying the spirit of inclusivity, Mr. Saunders is committed to ensuring that the global customs community is strongest when it welcomes a diversity of thought and experience. His leadership of the WCO's Permanent Technical Committee and oversight of U.S. Customs and Border Protection capacity-building initiatives have showcased his dedication to fostering responsiveness and transparency as key components of good governance. As Secretary General, he will prioritize these principles, propelling the global customs community towards a safe, prosperous, and inclusive future.
“CBP has full confidence in Ian Saunders' ability to excel as the next Secretary General of the World Customs Organization. We are honored to support Mr. Saunders candidacy and urge our international partners to join us in backing Mr. Saunders as the leader the WCO needs.”
For more information about Deputy Assistant Secretary Saunders’ candidacy for Secretary General of the WCO, visit his website on CBP.gov.