Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Availability
Timeline
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Tichannia Towns

Tichannia Towns

Trade Compliance
Orlando,FL

Summary

An altruistic business professional with 15 years experience maximizing company compliance within the scope of customs trade regulations. Licensed Customs Broker adept in data mining, broker management, global classification, and regulatory affairs. Proven expertise in designing streamlined processes, conducting gap analyses, and implementing best practices. Skilled in creating core import strategies for automation, quality enhancement, and robust controls. A leader with a penchant for digitalization, reporting, and data transcription.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Customs Compliance

Siemens Industry Inc
04.2020 - Current
  • Establish the harmonized tariff classifications for a product based on factors like its composition, structure, and purpose.
  • Processed customs declarations and maintain records of customs documents.
  • Prepared and submitted reports on import and export activity to management.
  • Analyzed shipping reports to identify opportunities for cost savings.
  • Spearheaded end-to-end import compliance, ensuring timely clearance by collaborating with customs brokers, freight forwards, and customs authorities.
  • Integral contributor across business functions, pivotal in supporting internal stakeholders (Procurement, Buyers, Finance, Logistics) and optimizing the entire supply chain.
  • Conduct thorough assessments of Anti-Dumping (AD) and Countervailing Duty (CVD) orders to determine their relevance to merchandise. Ensure compliance by confirming that imported goods align with the specified parameters outlined in the AD/CVD orders.
  • Screen U.S. bound commodities for alignment with Partner Government Agency (PGA) standards. Utilize Customs and Trade Automated Interface Requirements (CATAIR) for adherence to transmitting data to the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), ensure accurate documentation and compliance with established standards for seamless entry processes.
  • Assess eligibility for Free Trade Agreements (FTA), like the United States-Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA), and certify compliance, ensuring adherence to qualifying conditions. Contributing to a half a million dollar in duty savings and 15% in cost avoidance under the program.
  • Resolve Census errors and conduct audits of US Customs entry summaries, ensuring accuracy by reconciling declared information with received merchandise. Identify and rectify inconsistencies, aligning documentation precisely with imported goods.
  • Works under the guidance and in collaboration of the Governance team for the Americas region, ensuring seamless coordination and compliance across cross-border and domestic transactions.
  • Power User of Global Trade Management (GTM) initiatives, managing change requests and implementing practical process enhancements. Established a centralized compliance database, streamlining tracking for all compliance activities and documents.
  • Assist with problem resolution and dispute management relating to import and export activities.

Export Control & Compliance

Siemens Healthcare, USA
10.2015 - 04.2020
  • Managed U.S. Customs Clearance for Medical Solutions and
    Healthcare Diagnostic, collaborating globally with business partners and
    suppliers.
  • Communicated information and instructions to and from dozens of vendors to research and resolve operational problems.
  • Followed up with customers to resolve inquiries with 24hrs.
  • Initiated and maintained customer master profiles to correct information and offer consistent service for 8 business units.
  • Interpreted laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
  • Minimized risk exposure through careful advice on business operations and strategic plans.
  • Orchestrated cross-functional regulatory affairs and brokerage
    teams, ensuring accurate submission of PGA data and documentation.
  • Implemented standardized import processes for non-approved
    products and administered Fish & Wildlife shipments, preventing
    exportation or destruction of CITES shipments.
  • Streamlined submissions to FDA, validating the safety and efficacy of devices for the U.S. market.

Import Specialist Lead

Siemens Global Services
08.2009 - 10.2015
  • Prepared shipping documentation, maintaining compliance with US Customs and international regulations.
  • Led U.S. Customs Clearance for diverse entry types and commodities, driving audits and key performance indicators.
  • Championed the adoption of an electronic filing system for efficient record retention and retrieval.
  • Mentored and empowered 11 team members, facilitating their growth and development.
  • Formulated and executed Corrective and Preventative Action Plans (CAPA) to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Ensured quality through adherence to Siemens' nine mandatory
    elements and continuous process improvement.
  • Tracked shipments processing through customs and other agencies and obtained clearances.
  • Followed SOPs with all customer account actions and data management to keep consistent service levels.

Education

Master of Business Administration - Business Administration and Management

University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL
05.2025

Licensed Custom Broker - Customs And Boarder Protection

US Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC
03.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Florida A&M University, Society
Tallahassee, FL
04.2011

Skills

  • Customs Regulations Compliance
  • Import and Export Operations
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Global Trade Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Audit & Error Resolution
  • Six Sigma Methodologies
  • Adaptability

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Customs Compliance

Siemens Industry Inc
04.2020 - Current

Export Control & Compliance

Siemens Healthcare, USA
10.2015 - 04.2020

Import Specialist Lead

Siemens Global Services
08.2009 - 10.2015

Master of Business Administration - Business Administration and Management

University of Central Florida

Licensed Custom Broker - Customs And Boarder Protection

US Department of Homeland Security

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science

Florida A&M University, Society
Tichannia TownsTrade Compliance