board of directors
Eugene R. Bailey
Executive Director - Port of Wilmington, Delaware, The Diamond State Port Corporation
Gene is a senior logistics and maritime industry executive with over four decades of leadership experience and practical expertise in international trade, marine cargo operations, stevedoring and terminal management, and port administration.
Bailey heads the Port of Wilmington, Delaware - a major mid-Atlantic maritime distribution center, capable of servicing over 200 million North American consumers overnight. The Port is North America's number one gateway for bananas and is the national leader for fresh fruit and juice concentrate imports. Under his leadership, Delaware's Port creates 5,900 good family sustaining jobs, produces $436 million in business revenue impact, and generates $41 million in state and local taxes. Read more!
Executive Director - Port of Wilmington, Delaware, The Diamond State Port Corporation
Gene is a senior logistics and maritime industry executive with over four decades of leadership experience and practical expertise in international trade, marine cargo operations, stevedoring and terminal management, and port administration.
Bailey heads the Port of Wilmington, Delaware - a major mid-Atlantic maritime distribution center, capable of servicing over 200 million North American consumers overnight. The Port is North America's number one gateway for bananas and is the national leader for fresh fruit and juice concentrate imports. Under his leadership, Delaware's Port creates 5,900 good family sustaining jobs, produces $436 million in business revenue impact, and generates $41 million in state and local taxes. Read more!
Melanie George Smith - Chair
Founder & President - Sustainable World Strategies
Melanie George Smith is founder and president of Sustainable World Strategies, which drives organizational improvement through strategic community relations, business development and global sustainability. She currently advises institutions of higher education, governments, business, and non-profits on (1) the value of sustainability and developing a successful strategy around sustainability implementation, and (2) developing strategic plans to accomplish organizational goals through enhanced community and business relations. She is an attorney and recently retired from 16 years of service as State Representative of the 5th District of Delaware. Ms. Smith co-chaired the Joint Finance Committee, which writes the state’s budget, for the past 6 years, and she was the past chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
Ms. Smith recently earned a Certificate from Harvard University’s Executive Education Sustainability Leadership program. Ms. Smith was the prime sponsor and author of the law creating a Delaware Certificate of Adoption of Transparency and Sustainability Standards. The new law will enable Delaware entities to show their commitment to sustainability. Ms. Smith also envisioned and was the prime sponsor and author of the law creating the Delaware Sustainability Commission. She speaks around the country at sustainability conferences. Read more!
Founder & President - Sustainable World Strategies
Melanie George Smith is founder and president of Sustainable World Strategies, which drives organizational improvement through strategic community relations, business development and global sustainability. She currently advises institutions of higher education, governments, business, and non-profits on (1) the value of sustainability and developing a successful strategy around sustainability implementation, and (2) developing strategic plans to accomplish organizational goals through enhanced community and business relations. She is an attorney and recently retired from 16 years of service as State Representative of the 5th District of Delaware. Ms. Smith co-chaired the Joint Finance Committee, which writes the state’s budget, for the past 6 years, and she was the past chair of the House Judiciary Committee.
Ms. Smith recently earned a Certificate from Harvard University’s Executive Education Sustainability Leadership program. Ms. Smith was the prime sponsor and author of the law creating a Delaware Certificate of Adoption of Transparency and Sustainability Standards. The new law will enable Delaware entities to show their commitment to sustainability. Ms. Smith also envisioned and was the prime sponsor and author of the law creating the Delaware Sustainability Commission. She speaks around the country at sustainability conferences. Read more!
Michael A. Griffin
CEO - Ashanti Produce International
Michael A. Griffin is Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Produce International, Incorporated and serves as Chairman for the US-Africa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Inc. Also serves as Honorary Consulate General Designee to the Republic of Ghana in Philadelphia and the Tri State.
As Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Produce International, an International Import /Export trading company founded in 1994 and incorporated in Chicago, Illinois in 1995, he manages all aspects of the company including two international offices in Ghana. He is also the facilitator of the African Caribbean Produce Union (ACPU), which correlates farmer Co-operative’s with West African Agribusiness Groups.
Mr. Griffin works hands on bridging the gap between the United States and Africa; creating employment on both continents through much needed Agricultural development projects in Africa. Through the USAID and Western Union Diaspora programs, Mr. Griffin focuses on revolutionizing the $500 billion Agricultural industry, which includes Perishable and Non-Perishable Goods I.e. (Rice) in addition to utilizing it for humanitarian purposes. Read more!
CEO - Ashanti Produce International
Michael A. Griffin is Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Produce International, Incorporated and serves as Chairman for the US-Africa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Inc. Also serves as Honorary Consulate General Designee to the Republic of Ghana in Philadelphia and the Tri State.
As Chief Executive Officer of Ashanti Produce International, an International Import /Export trading company founded in 1994 and incorporated in Chicago, Illinois in 1995, he manages all aspects of the company including two international offices in Ghana. He is also the facilitator of the African Caribbean Produce Union (ACPU), which correlates farmer Co-operative’s with West African Agribusiness Groups.
Mr. Griffin works hands on bridging the gap between the United States and Africa; creating employment on both continents through much needed Agricultural development projects in Africa. Through the USAID and Western Union Diaspora programs, Mr. Griffin focuses on revolutionizing the $500 billion Agricultural industry, which includes Perishable and Non-Perishable Goods I.e. (Rice) in addition to utilizing it for humanitarian purposes. Read more!
George E. Kearns - Treasurer
Chairman & CEO – Curacao Development Group, LLC
George Kearns is Chairman and CEO of Curacao Development Group, LLC and has more than 40 years' experience in international business development, real estate development, project finance, disaster relief management and security services. Currently, Mr. Kearns provides consulting services and solutions for security, logistics and personnel worldwide. Throughout his career, Mr. Kearns has been involved in many types of commercial transactions involving economic development and redevelopment and creating public-private partnerships. As official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Kearns advised on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin for the period of 2006 to 2013. Mr. Kearns is a member and former Chairman of International and Economic Development for SMART States, an organization comprised of four United States Mid-Atlantic States, as well as their respective governor's offices, 39 U.S. Congressional members and 8 Senators.
Chairman & CEO – Curacao Development Group, LLC
George Kearns is Chairman and CEO of Curacao Development Group, LLC and has more than 40 years' experience in international business development, real estate development, project finance, disaster relief management and security services. Currently, Mr. Kearns provides consulting services and solutions for security, logistics and personnel worldwide. Throughout his career, Mr. Kearns has been involved in many types of commercial transactions involving economic development and redevelopment and creating public-private partnerships. As official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, Mr. Kearns advised on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin for the period of 2006 to 2013. Mr. Kearns is a member and former Chairman of International and Economic Development for SMART States, an organization comprised of four United States Mid-Atlantic States, as well as their respective governor's offices, 39 U.S. Congressional members and 8 Senators.
Jacques Luben
Managing Partner - Inc. Plan (USA)
Jacques Luben was born in Paris, France. As a child his parents moved him to New York City where he earned a French Baccalaureate and developed strong proficiency in several languages.
After earning a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Columbia University, Jacques embarked on a career as a commodities trader with two major Wall Street firms from 1979 to 1985.
In 1985, he accepted the position of Executive Director of Platinum Guild International (USA). The latter is a major London based trade association with offices in 7 countries. Jacques’ tenure in this role lasted 15 years. Read more!
Managing Partner - Inc. Plan (USA)
Jacques Luben was born in Paris, France. As a child his parents moved him to New York City where he earned a French Baccalaureate and developed strong proficiency in several languages.
After earning a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Columbia University, Jacques embarked on a career as a commodities trader with two major Wall Street firms from 1979 to 1985.
In 1985, he accepted the position of Executive Director of Platinum Guild International (USA). The latter is a major London based trade association with offices in 7 countries. Jacques’ tenure in this role lasted 15 years. Read more!
Anabel Panayotti
President / CEO - Port to Port International Corp.
ANABEL Panayotti is the founder of Port to Port International Corp., an award winning NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operation Common Carrier), International Freight Forwarder and Terminal Operator specializing in the export and ocean transport of vehicles, trucks, construction and forestry equipment and containerized cargoes to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and other worldwide markets.
Founded in 1998 as a Delaware corporation, Port to Port International is now one of the nation’s largest shippers of used vehicles and a growing shipper of new and used construction machinery to Central America.
Since 1998 she has led the expansion of the company through Strategic Planning and Logistics, Management, Sales, Accounting, Vessel Chartering and Development of New Markets. Read more!
President / CEO - Port to Port International Corp.
ANABEL Panayotti is the founder of Port to Port International Corp., an award winning NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operation Common Carrier), International Freight Forwarder and Terminal Operator specializing in the export and ocean transport of vehicles, trucks, construction and forestry equipment and containerized cargoes to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and other worldwide markets.
Founded in 1998 as a Delaware corporation, Port to Port International is now one of the nation’s largest shippers of used vehicles and a growing shipper of new and used construction machinery to Central America.
Since 1998 she has led the expansion of the company through Strategic Planning and Logistics, Management, Sales, Accounting, Vessel Chartering and Development of New Markets. Read more!
Andrew R. Silverman - Secretary
Associate - MacElree Harvey, Ltd.
Andrew R. Silverman is an attorney at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., a full service law firm with 30+ lawyers in five offices, including its Centreville, Delaware location.
Licensed to practice in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, Andy focuses his practice on business, corporate, and transactional law. In connection with this work, Andy routinely advises businesses and individuals concerning complex corporate compliance and internal governance issues; business formation, sale, and acquisition; and commercial contracts.
Andy joined World Trade Center Delaware in 2015 after recognizing that his clients were increasingly confronting international legal issues, such as FCPA compliance and multi-boarder trade agreements. Since joining, Andy has advised manufacturers and service providers regarding all matters affecting international trade, including business acquisition, sales, distribution and supply agreements, licensing, and joint venture agreements.
As a native Delawarean, Andy has developed a deep personal interest in World Trade Center Delaware’s mission in assisting local companies succeed in a competitive and global commercial environment.
Associate - MacElree Harvey, Ltd.
Andrew R. Silverman is an attorney at MacElree Harvey, Ltd., a full service law firm with 30+ lawyers in five offices, including its Centreville, Delaware location.
Licensed to practice in both Delaware and Pennsylvania, Andy focuses his practice on business, corporate, and transactional law. In connection with this work, Andy routinely advises businesses and individuals concerning complex corporate compliance and internal governance issues; business formation, sale, and acquisition; and commercial contracts.
Andy joined World Trade Center Delaware in 2015 after recognizing that his clients were increasingly confronting international legal issues, such as FCPA compliance and multi-boarder trade agreements. Since joining, Andy has advised manufacturers and service providers regarding all matters affecting international trade, including business acquisition, sales, distribution and supply agreements, licensing, and joint venture agreements.
As a native Delawarean, Andy has developed a deep personal interest in World Trade Center Delaware’s mission in assisting local companies succeed in a competitive and global commercial environment.
Charlie Tomlinson
Vice President - Today Media / Delaware Business Times
Charlie Tomlinson has been around the Delaware business community for over 40 years, the entire time in some form of marketing communications. Currently vice president of business development for Today Media (publishers of Delaware Today, Delaware Business Times, and six other publications -- plus custom publications for external clients), Charlie has also been director of marketing for two local retail automotive groups.
He joined Today Media for his first tour of duty in 1993 as director of sales and marketing for Delaware Today Magazine. During that period, he was instrumental for the company in launching Main Line Today Magazine in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
Graduated from Temple University, he started his career in radio, coming to Wilmington to serve as general sales manager of WJBR/99.5 FM. In addition to World Trade Center, he is active in Committee of 100, several Delaware chambers of commerce, Beacon Executive Group, and CIRC. Read more!
Vice President - Today Media / Delaware Business Times
Charlie Tomlinson has been around the Delaware business community for over 40 years, the entire time in some form of marketing communications. Currently vice president of business development for Today Media (publishers of Delaware Today, Delaware Business Times, and six other publications -- plus custom publications for external clients), Charlie has also been director of marketing for two local retail automotive groups.
He joined Today Media for his first tour of duty in 1993 as director of sales and marketing for Delaware Today Magazine. During that period, he was instrumental for the company in launching Main Line Today Magazine in the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
Graduated from Temple University, he started his career in radio, coming to Wilmington to serve as general sales manager of WJBR/99.5 FM. In addition to World Trade Center, he is active in Committee of 100, several Delaware chambers of commerce, Beacon Executive Group, and CIRC. Read more!