Joe A. Cortez

Joe is the former Department of Commerce–U.S. Census Bureau's International Trade Ombudsman and Regulations Chief. In these positions, he worked on regulatory matters pertaining to the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), the collection of Electronic Export Information, voluntary self-disclosures, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Mitigation Guidelines.

Currently, he is the president of an export and import consulting firm, International Trade Advisors, working with exporters and freight forwarders to help them stay compliant with U.S. export regulations. He also works with law firms as an export trade advisor.

Now, and in his prior position with the U.S. Department of Commerce, he works closely with Customs and Border Protection, the Department of State, the Bureau of Industry and Security, and other U.S. federal export regulatory agencies. He is a recipient of the Department of Commerce's Silver Medal Award.

Joe was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to South Florida's District Export Council, where he volunteers his time to assist South Florida's small and medium-sized businesses in establishing or increasing export sales, supporting economic growth and creating new, higher-paying jobs in their communities.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, conducted graduate studies at the University of North Texas and George Washington University, and holds a Master of Arts in International Commerce and Policy from George Mason University.