Kimberly W. Pringle
Mt. Airy,Maryland
Summary
Innovative and collaborative global trade compliance leader with 20+ years of experience in import/export regulations, licensing, automation, and regulatory strategy within the aerospace and defense sectors. Proven ability to define and implement scalable solutions that meet international regulatory requirements and drive cross-functional alignment. Licensed U.S. Customs Broker and Empowered Official with a track record of process optimization, team leadership, and risk mitigation.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sector Sr. Manager International Trade Compliance
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC)
02.2022 - Current
- Serve as the Mission Systems Sector's Principal Import Official (PIO), leading enterprise import strategy and regulatory compliance in partnership with Global Trade Management, Corporate Law, Supply Chain, and Contracts leadership.
- Monitor global regulatory changes and proactively lead cross-functional process improvements in response to evolving trade landscapes.
- Define and execute import/export compliance strategies that support sector-wide program capture, execution, and sustainment, ensuring alignment with U.S. and international trade laws.
- Lead the sector's import, customs, and export operations compliance program, driving risk mitigation, operational excellence, and regulatory assurance.
- Provide oversight of the Northrop Grumman Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ), ensuring optimized utilization and full regulatory compliance.
- Direct a high-performing team managing critical trade automation systems, driving digital transformation and compliance efficiency.
- Conduct internal assessments and audits; oversee implementation of corrective actions and ensure timely reporting to U.S. and foreign government authorities.
- Develop and institutionalize standardized import compliance processes, procedures, and controls across the business.
- Champion the development and delivery of targeted training programs for trade and functional professionals, fostering a culture of compliance and continuous improvement.
- Architect the sector's trade talent strategy, including career development pathways for compliance professionals.
- Provide Empowered Official surge support, overseeing export license preparation and submission, ensuring strict adherence to provisos and regulatory requirements.
Sector Staff Global Trade Compliance – Aeronautics Sector
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC)
02.2019 - 02.2022
- Developed and maintained core export compliance infrastructure, including export procedures, internal training programs, performance metrics, and sector SharePoint/trade web content.
- Designed and implemented the export trade professional career development program.
- Directed export trade compliance audits and assessments; oversaw resolution of corrective actions and supported legal investigations to address regulatory issues.
- Led the development, implementation, and optimization of sector-wide trade automation systems, including SAP, SAP-GTS, OCR EASE, and proprietary platforms, enhancing compliance efficiency and data integrity.
- Collaborated in cross-sector working groups focused on trade automation, regulatory compliance, and enterprise international business initiatives.
- Delivered surge support for export compliance activities, including license preparation, watchlist screening adjudication, and final approvals for international travel and public disclosures, ensuring regulatory integrity under tight deadlines.
Corporate Sr. Manager / Manager Global Trade Compliance
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC)
11.2010 - 01.2019
- Progressively promoted into roles of increasing responsibility, culminating in enterprise leadership over global trade compliance systems and governance frameworks.
- Led strategic planning, implementation, governance, and oversight of enterprise-wide compliance automation systems supporting export, import, and anti-corruption programs. (OCR EASE, SharePoint, C-TPAT, internal customized platforms).
- Designed and maintained enterprise trade compliance procedures and work instructions to ensure operational consistency and regulatory alignment.
- Co-authored the Corporate Transfer Pricing Manual and U.S./non-U.S. Import Manuals, establishing foundational guidance for global operations.
- Directed the enterprise trade compliance training program, automating training workflows, developing curricula, hosting conferences, and conducting instructor-led sessions.
- Spearheaded the International Trade Compliance (ITC) Talent Pipeline Program, managing rotational onboarding, training delivery, and career path development for new hires.
- Played a key role in post-merger/acquisition integration efforts, aligning trade-related systems, policies, and training across acquired entities.
- Developed and executed the enterprise import risk assessment process, conducting annual reviews to identify and mitigate exposure.
- Supported internal investigations and corrective actions related to trade compliance matters in partnership with Corporate Law, Internal Audit, and internal stakeholders.
- Co-led selection and management of corporate-approved customs brokers, including development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), definition of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and negotiation of broker service contracts.
Sector Export/Import Operations Manager
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC)
11.2006 - 10.2010
- Built and led the import compliance and export operations infrastructure for the Information Systems Sector, aligning processes with U.S. regulations and Northrop Grumman corporate policies.
- Served as the sector import lead to Corporate Trade Compliance and Corporate Law, advising on legal matters and contributing to enterprise-wide trade initiatives and working groups.
- Managed the sector's CTPAT program and served on the Northrop Grumman Corporate CTPAT Committee, advancing supply chain security and compliance readiness.
- Directed and delivered import and export operations compliance training.
- Import and export operations lead during mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures to ensure seamless integration of import/export operational requirements.
Import Compliance Manager
Logistics & Transportation Services, Inc. - A Northrop Grumman Company
03.2005 - 11.2006
- Established in-house customs brokerage services, securing critical operational certifications including the Customs Brokerage National Permit, Remote Location Filing (RLF), and ACH duty payment capabilities.
- Authored and successfully led the company's CTPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) application, achieving formal validation and enhancing global supply chain security posture.
Corporate Compliance Specialist
Kuehne + Nagel Inc.
05.2003 - 03.2005
- Provided regulatory guidance to 850+ global offices on U.S. Customs Regulations, product classification, admissibility and compliance with other government agency regulations.
- Validated and managed Powers of Attorney and administered corporate surety bonds.
Import Specialist
Carmichael International Service
09.2000 - 05.2003
- Advised customers on product classifications, documentation requirements, and regulatory compliance to ensure accurate and efficient import processing.
- Managed post-entry filings, including protests, petitions, and duty drawback claims, ensuring timely and accurate resolution in accordance with U.S. Customs regulations.
Import Supervisor
BDP International, Inc.
10.1995 - 08.2000
- Controlled all aspects of import accounts including Customs entry filing and Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification.
- Developed a duty payment process for the Baltimore branch that was later adopted corporately.
Education
Master of Science - Acquisition & Contract Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
Bachelor of Science - Global Business and Public Policy
University of Maryland University College
Skills
- Customs, EAR, ITAR, FTC Compliance
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Classification
- Valuation
- Free Trade Agreements
- DCMA Duty Free Entry
- Trade Automation Systems
- Strategic Planning
- Audit, Investigations, Risk Assessment & Corrective Action
- Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Government & Stakeholder Engagement
- Data-driven decision making
- Cross-functional team coordination
Certification
- Licensed U.S. Customs Broker
- Empowered Official
- Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP)
CLEARANCE
DoD Collateral Secret
Timeline
Sector Sr. Manager International Trade Compliance
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC)
02.2022 - Current
Sector Staff Global Trade Compliance – Aeronautics Sector
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC)
02.2019 - 02.2022
Corporate Sr. Manager / Manager Global Trade Compliance
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC)
11.2010 - 01.2019
Sector Export/Import Operations Manager
Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC)
11.2006 - 10.2010
Import Compliance Manager
Logistics & Transportation Services, Inc. - A Northrop Grumman Company
03.2005 - 11.2006
Corporate Compliance Specialist
Kuehne + Nagel Inc.
05.2003 - 03.2005
Import Specialist
Carmichael International Service
09.2000 - 05.2003
Import Supervisor
BDP International, Inc.
10.1995 - 08.2000
Bachelor of Science - Global Business and Public Policy
University of Maryland University College
Master of Science - Acquisition & Contract Management
University of Maryland Global Campus
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