Highsmith Takes Over as CBP Executive Assistant Commissioner for Trade

AnnMarie Highsmith is the new executive assistant commissioner of CBP’s Office of Trade, the agency said in a June 21 press release. Highsmith had previously been CBP deputy chief counsel since 2013, the release said. John Leonard, who had been acting executive assistant commissioner and was executive director of the CBP Office of Trade's Trade Policy and Programs operations, will take over as deputy executive assistant commissioner, CBP said.

“Executive Assistant Commissioner Highsmith’s expertise in customs law and experience enhancing the enforcement of those laws make her uniquely qualified to lead CBP’s trade modernization efforts,” Troy Miller, acting CBP commissioner, said in the release. “Under Executive Assistant Commissioner Highsmith’s leadership, I am confident that the CBP Office of Trade will continue to strengthen America’s national security and economic prosperity.”

Leonard has been with CBP since 1989, and in 2017 became executive director for trade policy and programs. He had briefly led CBP’s trade office in an acting role following the retirement in March of former Executive Assistant Commissioner Brenda Smith (see 2103180055). Brandon Lord is now acting executive director for trade policy and programs, said a CBP spokesperson. CBP has not yet decided on a permanent replacement for Leonard, the spokesperson said.