BUFFALO, NY (January 22) – Buffalo Niagara International Trade Gateway Organization (ITGO) executive director Craig Turner announced today that the region’s logistics industry group added four new Board members at this month’s Board meeting.

“With two high-profile initiatives – the Buffalo Lakeside Commerce Park Crossdock Facility and the new ITGO Logistics, Trade and Transportation Directory – on the agenda for 2019, it is essential that we have outstanding leadership to help us be successful in implementing ITGO’s vision,” said Turner. “Our new Board members bring additional perspective, insight and expertise that is critical to the mission of growing logistics opportunities for companies in the bi-national Buffalo Niagara region.”

ITGO’s new Board members include:

Kevin Jacobi, General Manager, Canada BW

With more than 17 years’ experience in the field, Kevin Jacobi has focused his professional career in the logistics industry. He has been general manager for two large 3PL companies and co-founded an additional warehousing company that is still in operation. He is an active member of the community serving board and committee positions with the Welland/Pelham Chamber of Commerce, the Niagara Industrial Association, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce, Niagara College and the Niagara Free Trade Zone Task Force.

Damon Piatek, President & CEO, Welke Customs Brokers USA

Damon Piatek is President and CEO of Welke Customs Brokers USA Inc., headquartered in the City of Tonawanda with offices in Cleveland, OH, and a licensed U.S. Customs broker and certified customs specialist. Damon sits on the Board of World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara, the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) in Northeast Ohio and the Ken-Ton Chamber of Commerce, and is an active member of the National Association of Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders and the Northern Border Brokers Association.

Barbara Saieva, Director of International Programs, Speed Global Services

Barbara Saieva has been involved in international logistics, freight forwarding and customhouse brokerage for over 25 years. Since 2006, she has been with Speed Global Services and is currently the Director of International Operations. Barbara is a certified customs specialist and has worked with hundreds of companies assisting their staff in global logistics and compliance management including on-site training. She is a member of the NCBFAA, WTCBN and BWTA, as well as a past president of the BWTA.

Dr. Nallan Suresh, UB Distinguished Professor, School of Management, University at Buffalo

Dr. Nallan Suresh is a faculty member in department of Operations Management & Strategy in UB’s School of Management, specializing in supply chain, manufacturing and logistics management. He has published widely in professional journals, and presented numerous papers in international conferences. He has also taught and conducted industry education programs in China, Singapore, and Europe for more than 20 years.  Dr. Suresh is Associate Director for UB’s Stephen Still Institute for Sustainable Transportation & Logistics.

“In just a few short years, ITGO has gone from a well-intentioned concept to a key player in regional economic development, engaged in regional, bi-national and statewide freight planning,” said Jim Manno, vice president of sales and marketing for Sonwil Distribution, and ITGO board president. “I’m thrilled with the knowledge and diversity of experience we’re adding to the ITGO board, and look forward to making great strides in 2019.”