Carrie Willett
Import Specialist
Blaine,WA
Summary
Import Specialist with expertise enforcing U.S. trade laws, analyzing complex data, mitigating risks, protecting revenue, and delivering technical guidance to peers and stakeholders.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Import Specialist
Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection
04.2018 - Current
- Review manufacturing records for compliance with Free Trade Agreements and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act.
- Review import compliance with IEEPA, Section 232, and reciprocal tariff requirements.
- Build and maintain partnerships to enforce trade laws, identify high-risk shipments, and facilitate legitimate trade.
- Research and analyze data from multiple CBP systems and external sources to assess workgroup effectiveness, identify risk trends, and recommend further investigation.
- Review and analyze trade data using Microsoft Word, Excel, and CBP systems to prepare reports and provide actionable recommendations to management.
- Interpret and apply federal trade laws and regulations to support enforcement actions and deliver clear oral and written guidance to stakeholders.
- Review complex and sensitive import documentation to ensure accuracy, regulatory compliance, and eligibility for special trade programs.
- Issue appropriate customs forms and provide professional customer service to the trade community and other stakeholders.
- Ensure accurate assessment and collection of duties and fees, protecting or recovering $10 million in revenue in FY2024.
- Maintain shared tracking tools in SharePoint, Excel, and Teams to support cross-unit data coordination and accountability.
- Department of Homeland Security, Customs & Border Protection Achievements – Continued:
- Develop training materials and deliver technical training on CBP systems, entry review procedures, and compliance best practices, tailored to audience needs.
- ADDITIONAL DUTIES
- Port of Blaine Nonuniformed Bargaining Unit Member Union Steward FY2025-Current
- Automotive & Aerospace CEE Reconciliation Team Member FY2025-Current
- DHS Money Smart Financial Education Trainer FY2026-Current
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of trade laws, applying changes as needed to keep operations compliant with current requirements.
Agriculture Specialist
Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection
07.2009 - 04.2018
- Built and sustained strategic internal and external partnerships to assess shipment admissibility, mitigate agricultural and environmental risk, and facilitate legitimate trade.
- Analyzed intelligence and operational data from CBP systems, interagency sources, and open-source reporting to identify risk trends and take enforcement action.
- Interpreted and applied complex federal trade laws and regulations to support enforcement decisions and provide authoritative oral and written guidance.
- Led workgroup initiatives to identify emerging high-risk pathways, establish performance measures, and achieve mission objectives.
- Compiled analytical findings using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and provided senior leadership with actionable recommendations.
- Exercised independent judgment to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment, adjusting workflows to meet shifting deadlines.
- Evaluated trade policies, program effectiveness, and Self-Inspection Program results to recommend operational improvements to enhance Port compliance and performance.
- Issued customs forms/penalties to resolve deficiencies and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Directed remediation of noncompliant goods/conveyances to mitigate agricultural and environmental risk.
- Advised management on required operational needs/adjustments for overtime staffing.
- Resolved high-risk interactions professionally, de-escalating complex situations with stakeholders and the traveling public.
- ADDITIONAL DUTIES
- Port of Norfolk Feds Feed Families Coordinator FY 2014 and FY 2015
- Port of Norfolk USDA Regulated Garbage Compliance Officer April 2013 to April 2018
- Port of Norfolk Military Cooperator Training Team February 2013 to April 2018
- Port of Norfolk Union Steward 2013-2015
- Port of Norfolk Property Inventory Taker FY 2012 to FY 2018
Education
Masters of Business Administration - Project Management
Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT04-2026
Skills
- Trade Law Enforcement
- Revenue Protection
- Regulatory Compliance
- Data Analysis
- Staff Training/Development
- Stakeholder Communication/Collaboration
- Import Risk Analysis/Mitigation
- Event Coordination
Accomplishments
- Apply complex U.S. trade laws using independent judgment to assess import risk.
- Analyze CBP data to identify trends and develop strategic recommendations.
- Deliver senior-level guidance, training, and stakeholder coordination on import compliance.
Affiliations
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Certification
Certified Associate in Project Management
Timeline
Certified Associate in Project Management
07-2025
Import Specialist
Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection
04.2018 - Current
Agriculture Specialist
Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection
07.2009 - 04.2018
Masters of Business Administration - Project Management
Southern Utah University