Guest Speakers
James McNamee
Branch Manager
Alba Wheels Up
Jim McNamee is a licensed customs broker, and the Branch Manager at Alba Wheels Up International, having started his career in transportation and logistics in 2000. He also serves on the Board of Directors at the Foreign Trade Association, and is a contributing member of the Pacific Coast Council.
Jim’s previous experience had him occupy many positions in the industry, namely as a Director of Customs Brokerage, Head of Customs Compliance, and a Route Development Manager for various countries shipping to and from the US.
His areas of expertise include wine and spirits, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and food. He also specializes in apparel and footwear, as well as antidumping & countervailing entries, and customs bonds.
Selena Salazar
Senior Account Manager / Surety Bonds
Avalon Risk Management
Selena is a Senior Account Manager in Avalon’s Los Angeles Western Division. Selena joined Avalon in
2006 as an Account Manager specializing in Surety Customs Bonds.
Her expertise and working with Customs Brokers and Importers lead to her promotion in 2015 to a
Senior Account Manager. In her capacity as a Senior Account Manager, Selena has developed expert
knowledge of U.S. Customs Bonds as well as other bonds by U.S. government agencies. She acts as a
pre-underwriter for risks within her designated underwriting authority and assists with bond audits and
claims.
By working closely with Customs and Border Protection and issuing Customs bonds, Selena has gained a
broad knowledge of the import process and governing laws. Selena also works with several other
government agencies such as the Federal Maritime Commission, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, Food and Drug Department, Department of Transportation, and the Surface
Deployment Distribution Command to name a few.
Selena is active in industry associations and regularly attends events and webinar for LACBFFA, WIT, FTA
and LA Air Cargo Association. She is in the process of obtaining her NEI Customs Certified Specialist
(CCS) designation to further enhance her bond and import knowledge.
Selena loves to spend time with her family, she has a 20-year-old daughter attending CSULA and a 5 year
who keeps her on her toes!