Amy N. Caruso
Punta Gorda,FL
Summary
Experienced Import/Export Trade Compliance professional with 21 years experience in commerical and defense industries. Vast knowledge with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations (as well as other various U.S. Government agencies) international shipping/receiving, ITAR/EAR license applications, preparing and providing trainings to internal and external customers, organizing and preparing for various internal and external audits. Adept at developing and implementing compliance policies and procedures with excellent communication skills (written and oral). Self-motivated and detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills and accustomed to working in fast-paced environments with ability for quick turnaround response.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr International Trade & ATF Compliance Specialist
General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. (GDMS)
11.2017 - Current
- Conducted internal and external compliance audits to ensure adherence to regulatory standards and internal policies.
- Developed and implemented training programs for internal staff on compliance-related procedures and best practices.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address compliance risks and enhance operational effectiveness.
- Maintained accurate documentation of compliance activities and audit findings for internal reviews.
- Evaluated new trade compliance regulations and provided recommendations for policy updates to mitigate risk exposure.
- Led initiatives to streamline compliance processes, resulting in improved efficiency and accuracy in reporting.
- Mentored junior staff in regulatory requirements, fostering a culture of compliance within the organization.
- Analyzed compliance data trends to identify potential areas for improvement in operational protocols.
- Implemented robust record-keeping systems that ensured accurate documentation was maintained according to regulatory requirements at all times.
- Served as a point of contact for employees seeking guidance on compliance matters, instilling confidence in the organization''s commitment to regulatory adherence.
- Assisted in the preparation of regular reports for senior management, detailing compliance activities and progress towards established goals.
- Reduced instances of non-compliance through meticulous monitoring of internal controls and periodic audits.
- Streamlined regulatory processes for improved efficiency and reduced errors, leading to better overall compliance.
- Evaluated existing policies regularly, identifying areas for improvement and recommending revisions as needed.
- Provided expert guidance to colleagues on matters related to regulatory compliance, solidifying company-wide understanding of requirements.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to identify potential areas of non-compliance and recommended corrective actions.
- Served as subject matter expert by advising staff and customers and working directly with external agencies throughout audits or to remedy compliance issues.
- Developed strategies for addressing identified gaps in regulatory knowledge within the organization, enhancing overall compliance awareness.
- Enhanced company compliance by developing and implementing comprehensive policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with other departments to integrate compliance considerations into daily business operations seamlessly.
Sr. Defense Trade Licensing & Compliance Analyst
Flir Systems Inc
09.2016 - 11.2017
- Supervises and oversees all import/export compliance activities performed by the Trade and Licensing Compliance Analyst.
- Review, prepare and submit license applications required for Department of Commerce and ITAR license applications through Dtrade2 and SNAP-R.
- Review, prepare and submit TAA’s, MLA’s and Amendments to Department of State.
- Responsible for maintaining and tracking of license applications and provide status reports to management.
- Review, approve and/or prepare Export documentation for all exports. Ensure all exports have applicable ITAR license, Commerce License or ITAR exemption.
- Review, approve and/or prepare import instructions for all imports. Ensure proper ITAR license, ITAR exemption, Harmonized Tariff Schedule and other documents required are provided to Freight Forwarders.
- Ensure that all technical data is properly marked and exported within accordance of applicable TAA/MLA and ITAR exemption.
- Point of Contact for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of State Licensing Officers, U.S. Department of Commerce Licensing Officers for all license applications and export/import issues.
- Train and educate all employees as required and train all new employees at orientation on a weekly basis.
- Provide TAA and license briefings to employees involved in program.
- Ensure TAA’s, MLA’s, ITAR Licenses and Commerce Licenses are properly decremented and maintain a database for recordkeeping.
- Responsible for ensuring company is compliant and adhering to U.S. Export Laws and regulations.
- Developed and implemented trade compliance policies aligning with international regulations.
Trade Compliance Manager
Axsys Technologies, Inc. / General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies, Inc.
02.2009 - 08.2016
- Supervises and oversees all import/export compliance activities performed by the Trade Compliance Administrators.
- Review, prepare and submit license applications required for Department of Commerce and ITAR license applications through Dtrade2 and SNAP-R.
- Review, prepare and submit TAA’s, MLA’s and Amendments to Department of State.
- Responsible for maintaining and tracking of license applications and provide status reports to management.
- Review, approve and/or prepare Export documentation for all exports. Ensure all exports have applicable ITAR license, Commerce License or ITAR exemption.
- Review, approve and/or prepare import instructions for all imports. Ensure proper ITAR license, ITAR exemption, Harmonized Tariff Schedule and other documents required are provided to Freight Forwarders.
- Ensure that all technical data is properly marked and exported within accordance of applicable TAA/MLA and ITAR exemption.
- Point of Contact for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of State Licensing Officers, U.S. Department of Commerce Licensing Officers for all license applications and export/import issues.
- Train and educate all employees as required and train all new employees at orientation on a weekly basis.
- Provide TAA and license briefings to employees involved in program.
- Ensure TAA’s, MLA’s, ITAR Licenses and Commerce Licenses are properly decremented and maintain a database for recordkeeping.
- Responsible for ensuring company is compliant and adhering to U.S. Export Laws and regulations.
- Developed and implemented trade compliance policies aligning with international regulations.
Sr. Import/Export Licensing Specialist
Kollsman, Inc.
02.2006 - 02.2009
- Prepare and submit ITAR and Department of Commerce license applications through DTrade and SNAP-R.
- Prepare and submit TAA’s and Amendments to Department of State.
- Responsible for approving exports to ensure proper documentation is provided to the Freight Forwarders for U.S. Customs approval.
- Provide Import Instructions for all imports. Ensure proper ITAR license/exemption, Harmonized Tariff Schedule and other required documents are provided to the freight forwarders for U.S. Customs clearance.
- Review and approve technical data and proposals in preparation for export against ITAR licenses, ITAR exemptions and Agreements.
- Responsible for proper classification of product in the EAR and the ITAR. Works with the appropriate contacts in the program.
- Point of Contact with U.S. Customs on exports and imports.
- Point of Contact with State Department licensing officers regarding license applications and Agreements.
- Ensure appropriate use of ITAR Licenses (DSP-5, DSP-73 and DSP61) and ITAR exemptions for imports and exports.
- Educate new employees and continuous training on ITAR and EAR regulations and company policies.
- Provide TAA briefings to Programs and employees when TAA’s are approved.
- Maintain Export and Import files in accordance with the recordkeeping requirements in the EAR and the ITAR.
International Traffic Coordinator
FLIR Systems, Inc.
11.2000 - 08.2005
- Preparation of Export Documentation for Department of State shipments and/or Department of Commerce controlled shipments (i.e., Commercial Invoices, SED’s, AES transactions, Carnets, SLI’s)
- Provide Import documentation to freight forwarder (i.e., Original DSP-73’s, ITAR exemptions and import instructions)
- Maintain Carnets
- Ensure appropriate use and validation of DSP-73’s for export and import.
- Develop and maintain relationship with U.S. Customs & Border Protection
- Maintain record keeping for all exports and imports to ensure compliance with Department of Commerce, Department of State and U.S. Customs
- Primary contact for Sales and Customer Service departments regarding all imports and exports
Social Work Assistant
Concord Assabet Family & Adolescent Services, Inc.
07.1998 - 11.2000
- Scheduling of Psychiatrist appointments for outpatient clients
- Liaison between clients and Psychiatrists in regards to medications and other medical needs (i.e. medication refills, side effects, etc.)
- Prepare medical records for daily Psychiatric schedules
- Work with Department of Social Services to find appropriate placement for their clients within the agency
- Verifications of client’s insurance coverage
Receptionist
Concord Assabet Family & Adolescent Services, Inc.
01.1997 - 07.1998
- Switchboard operation
- Clerical duties
- Office supply ordering
- Assigning clinicians to available office space
Education
No Degree - Business Administration 1998-2001
Middlesex Community College
BedfordBachelor of Science - Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
Hooksett, NH05-2024
High School -
Arlington High School
Arlington, MA06-1995
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Adobe Acrobat and Kofax expertise
- Appian platform expertise
- Proficient in Skype for Business
- SharePoint administration and use
- Strong written communication skills
- Effective organizational skills
- Proficient in managing multiple tasks
- Collaborative teamwork
- Team player and leader
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Expertise in export/import defense trade regulations (ITAR, EAR, ATF and OFAC)
- Expertise in Department of State and Department of Commerce license applications (Licenses/Technical Assistance Agreements/Manufacturer License Agreements, General Correspondences and Commodity Jurisdictions) and exemptions and exceptions applicability
- Written and partake in self voluntary disclosures
- EASE and SNAPR platform proficiency
- Experience in internal and external auditing (self-assessments, audit organizer/planner)
- Prepared audit documentation
- Audit oversight and assistance
- Regulatory compliance training to internal and external customers
- Implementation of organizational policies and procedures
- Sanctions compliance and screening
- Clear and concise writing skills
Affiliations
SIA (Society Of International Affairs)
Languages
English
Timeline
Sr International Trade & ATF Compliance Specialist
General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc. (GDMS)
11.2017 - Current
Sr. Defense Trade Licensing & Compliance Analyst
Flir Systems Inc
09.2016 - 11.2017
Trade Compliance Manager
Axsys Technologies, Inc. / General Dynamics Global Imaging Technologies, Inc.
02.2009 - 08.2016
Sr. Import/Export Licensing Specialist
Kollsman, Inc.
02.2006 - 02.2009
International Traffic Coordinator
FLIR Systems, Inc.
11.2000 - 08.2005
Social Work Assistant
Concord Assabet Family & Adolescent Services, Inc.
07.1998 - 11.2000
Receptionist
Concord Assabet Family & Adolescent Services, Inc.
01.1997 - 07.1998
No Degree - Business Administration 1998-2001
Middlesex Community College
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Southern New Hampshire University
High School -
Arlington High School
Other
Empowered Official and Security Clearance
Membership
Armed Woman of America June 2025-Present