Ian Saunders

It has been important to me that my work has a direct and meaningful impact on others. Over the years, I have worked for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Federal Highway Administration, and now for the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. My positions have involved protecting societies from smuggled narcotics and other contraband, building other countries' capacity to manage their borders, creating awareness of technologies that have improved road safety here in the U.S., and supporting companies to export goods and services and create jobs. Throughout my career, I’ve been motivated by seeing how my work contributes to creating a better quality of life for others. 

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Today, I am the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Western Hemisphere at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, where I support stronger commercial ties between the U.S. and other countries in the hemisphere. I was recently elected to serve as the next Secretary General of the World Customs Organization. Having dedicated much of my career to customs and international trade issues, I was humbled by the members of the WCO electing me to lead the organization for 5 years beginning January 2024. The position will give me an opportunity to work with 185 members around the world to identify and pursue priorities for customs and to develop and support improved practices designed to promote supply chain security and the facilitation of legitimate trade across borders. It's an accomplishment I couldn't have imagined when I began my career, and presents me with an opportunity to not just apply my talents to help the American people, but also the global public.

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