As Vice President of International Trade at VEDP I provide leadership and oversight of Virginia’s nation-leading international trade assistance programs, designed to support Virginia companies in their pursuit of international sales growth. Prior to this role, I served as Director of Marketing and Development at the Virginia Department of Agriculture where I provided executive leadership and strategic direction for the state's agricultural marketing activities, developing and implementing domestic and international marketing and promotional programs designed to enhance the profitability of Virginia agribusiness. I also oversaw economic development strategies targeted at expanding Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries.Before moving to VDACS, I served in multiple positions in the Virginia Economic Development Partnership's International Trade Division. As manager of VEDP's award-wining Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) Program, I worked with companies to develop and implement their international sales strategies and provided strategic direction for the program. I worked side-by-side with companies throughout the Commonwealth to identify and access their target export markets, troubleshoot on specific international business problems, and connect them with the right partners. Before taking on the VALET position, I served as VEDP's International Trade Manager for Central Virginia, working with local businesses to increase their international sales and consulting with them on a range of international business issues. My first position at VEDP was as Global Research Manager, overseeing VEDP's Global Network of 44 in-country market research consultants. During that time, I worked hundreds of projects for Virginia exporters and managed VEDP's internal Trade research staff. Earlier in my career, I worked for the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) where I evaluated U.S. foreign policy programs for effectiveness, traveling to such countries as Cambodia, Russia, Egypt and throughout Europe for on-site investigations. I hold a Master of Public Policy with a concentration on Public/Private Sector Partnerships from the University of Maryland and a B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science from Virginia Tech.Specialties: International Affairs and Trade, Marketing