EMILY GAFFORD

• Spearheaded global market entry strategies, successfully establishing partnerships in Canada, Europe, Africa, and Asia to drive international brand visibility and revenue growth.
• Navigated complex international compliance frameworks, including customs regulations, import/export documentation, and international payment systems.
• Collaborated with US Embassies, USDA, Foreign Service Officers, and trade organizations to streamline market entry and resolve regulatory challenges.
• Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) for immigration, travel visas, and work permits to ensure regulatory compliance and smooth employee transitions to global locations.
• Oversaw the development and maintenance of IT systems, ensuring robust security, data integrity, and compliance with global data privacy regulations.
• Directed all facets of e-commerce operations, optimizing platform performance and digital marketing strategies to achieve significant revenue increases.
• Managed cross-functional teams in procurement, retail, IT, and international business to create a cohesive strategy for brand growth.
• Trained and mentored team members on international business protocols, technology solutions, and compliance standards.

Key Achievements:

• Launched product lines in Barbados, supported by in-depth market analysis, regulatory research, and successful collaborations with local partners.
• Expanded product availability to new markets by negotiating distribution agreements, resolving logistics issues, and obtaining necessary permits and certifications.
• Improved IT infrastructure and implemented cybersecurity enhancements to support international operations and safeguard sensitive business data.

• Directed deployment of web platforms, concentrating on adherence to regulations, enhancing user experience and boosting performance.
• Provided technical support and guidance on regulatory adherence, including data privacy, and security requirements.
• Managed over 150 bank and credit union websites, leading all updates, promotions, and back-end coding adjustments.
• Created comprehensive training materials for clients and internal teams, enhancing client support satisfaction by 80%.

• Led procurement for a major fresh food supplier, ensuring compliance with international trade standards and import/export regulations.
• Negotiated contracts and collaborated with logistics teams to meet supply chain efficiency and cost targets.