Jim Dickeson
Import Export Compliance Professional
eLearning Developer
1.206.275.3866
jim@dickeson.net
Import Export Geek; Compliance Expert; eLearning Guru
I have the depth and breadth of import export compliance experience that comes with 20+ years of working in freight forwarding, customs brokerage, in-house trade compliance in the high tech arena, consulting and training.
I am accustomed to dealing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Departments of Commerce (BIS), State (ITAR) and Treasury (OFAC), and the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Technically savvy, I have a knack for teasing software applications to get just what I need from them. And in recent years, I have been developing computer based training - elearning.
Recent Activities:
- Export Control Forum hosted by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), February 22 - 23, 2010, Irvine, CA
- Presented at Complying with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) hosted by the Export Council of Oregon, October 28, 2009, Portland, OR
- Export Chair of the Western Cargo Conference (WESCCON) of the Pacific Coast Council of freight forwarders and customs broker associations, October 8 - 11, 2009, Palm Springs, CA
- Lectured on U.S. Export Controls and License Determination, hosted by the World Trade Club, February 25, 2009, Seattle, WA
Professional Experience:
Import Export Geeks, 2009 - present
Owner
Develop computer-based import export compliance training, selling via the internet
Lynden International, 2006 - present
Assistant Vice President Customs Services
Corporate Compliance Manager
Reduce regulatory risk of international freight forwarder and customs brokerage with 30 branch operation
- Audit using Customs' ACE, Census' AES, and Lynden's system's extracts
- Classify commodities to Harmonized Tariff System, Schedule B, ECCN, ITAR
- Determine Commerce, State, and Treasury Department licensing requirements
- Develop computer-based training for Lynden's Learning Management System in compliance, as well as jointly in DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations
- Instruct and mentor import and export operational staff in 30 branch offices
- Consult with internal and external customers on regulatory matters
- Strategize with Sales to construct compliant, profitable client relationships
Import Geeks, 2005 - 2006
Owner
Freelance import/export compliance consulting with several west coast firms, including:
- Export compliance assessment of nuclear power test equipment manufacturer
- Classification, origin and quota determinations for clothing importer
Vastera, Inc. (Acquired by JPMorgan, Inc.), 2002 - 2005
Senior Consultant
Consulted clients on import/export compliance and supply chain security throughout North America
- Performed compliance assessments, recommending improvements
- Trained client staff and implemented internal controls
- Analyzed clients Customs' ITRAC data using MS Access
- Won Customs protests and rulings requests
- Co-developed C-TPAT offering, qualified clients for membership
- Qualified products for NAFTA
- Mentored junior level consultants
Stratus Computer (Now Stratus Technologies), 1996 - 2002
Trade Compliance Specialist
Directed import and export compliance for computer manufacturer
- Controlled in excess of $100 million in annual compliance penalty exposure
- Reduced customs inquiries by 90%; no penalties issued
- Created MS Access database of product classifications, available over intranet
- Improved transit times by streamlining clearance process
- Managed relationships with government agencies and service providers
Education:
- MBA, Syracuse University, 2006
- BBA, Wichita State University, 1981
Affiliations:
- Board Member, Seattle World Trade Club
- Board of Advisers, AIESEC Seattle
Career timeline (click to enlarge)
PDF version
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"Do you notice that compliance always seem to interfere with business? Well let me tell you that Jim is one of the few compliance managers that I've worked with who: - Goes the extra mile to ensure that operational flow is as seamless as possible, while meeting requirements - Works the training aspect to ensure that compliance happens through all steps of the process - Develops innovative training tools that teaches everyone not only what they need to know, but also when and how to apply it - Carries more carrots than sticks - in other words he motivates vs. berates staff to stay in compliance - Does not waste time with unnecessary processes that are more for show than actually ensures accuracy - Is extremely helpful in solving each client's unique challenge, vs just espousing the rules, in other words; he knows his stuff! - He's the only compliance manager that I know of that can do it all with humor and make people feel better about being slowed down by the myriad of regulations companies are inundated with."
- MB, Lynden International
"Jim came into Lynden to oversee regulatory compliance. He had his plate full day one as compliance processes had only recently been started. Jim took the bull by the horns and drove the operations group in process implementation while being an excellent consultant to our clients and our agent/partners. Jim's knowledge is extraordinary and his methods are more in line with coaching and mentoring the less knowledgable while hammering overall compliance requirements"
- MR, Lynden International
"I worked closely with Jim on a number of projects when he worked for the Trade Management Consulting group of Vastera (now JPMorgan). Jim is a solid, detail oriented performer."
- BJ, JPMorgan Chase Vastera
"I was the outside counsel for Stratus Technologies handling Customs and import-export issues. Jim Dickeson was my primary contact at Stratus and I dealt with him for several years on many different trade related issues. I always found Jim to be a deligent and enthusiastic worker, who had good technical knowledge of the issues and was always very proactive in addressing issues. I believe that Jim Dickeson would be a valuable asset to your staff."
- RS, Middleton & Shrull