board of directors
Stephanie L. Chapman, CPA - Treasurer
Director, Tax & Small Business / International Services - Belfint, Lyons & Shuman
With the support of the firm’s International Services team, Stephanie specializes in providing United States tax compliance and advisory services for foreign entities and U.S. expatriates. Stephanie works with foreign business owners and their advisors to establish their tax residency, develop banking and legal relationships, and remain ahead of their various U.S. tax exposures. Expatriates benefit from Stephanie’s experience in minimizing tax liabilities through the benefits of treaties and incentives. Stephanie is also responsible for identifying training opportunities for staff as it relates to the International Services division, as well as niche business development and growth.
Stephanie has been published in local trade magazines including Delaware Banker. She has been invited to speak at the IRS Small Practitioner’s Annual Tax Forum; the Delaware Tax Institute; the PrimeGlobal World, North American and Latin American National Tax Conferences; as well as private speaking engagements in the U.K. and Germany to entrepreneurs on expanding to the U.S. market.
Read more!
Director, Tax & Small Business / International Services - Belfint, Lyons & Shuman
With the support of the firm’s International Services team, Stephanie specializes in providing United States tax compliance and advisory services for foreign entities and U.S. expatriates. Stephanie works with foreign business owners and their advisors to establish their tax residency, develop banking and legal relationships, and remain ahead of their various U.S. tax exposures. Expatriates benefit from Stephanie’s experience in minimizing tax liabilities through the benefits of treaties and incentives. Stephanie is also responsible for identifying training opportunities for staff as it relates to the International Services division, as well as niche business development and growth.
Stephanie has been published in local trade magazines including Delaware Banker. She has been invited to speak at the IRS Small Practitioner’s Annual Tax Forum; the Delaware Tax Institute; the PrimeGlobal World, North American and Latin American National Tax Conferences; as well as private speaking engagements in the U.K. and Germany to entrepreneurs on expanding to the U.S. market.
Read more!
Mohamed Cisse
CEO - Tungsten Global Consulting, Inc.
Mohamed Cisse is a remarkable leader and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to community development in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the founder and CEO of Tungsten Global Consulting (TGC), he spearheads initiatives that focus on scientific research and agricultural and environmental advancements. Through strategic partnerships with reputable American companies, TGC aims to bring sustainable solutions to environmental and farming challenges, contributing to shared prosperity in the region.
Notably, Mr. Cisse's passion for healthcare and community well-being was evident during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, where he organized the first Ebola Symposium at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. This endeavor facilitated collaboration between African ambassadors and healthcare experts, resulting in vital support for Cote d'Ivoire during the subsequent Covid-19 pandemic.
Mohamed's dedication extends beyond his business ventures. As an IVLP alum and YALI mentor, he actively promotes US foreign policies in Africa and empowers youth organizations through leadership and motivation coaching.
With a Bachelor of Science degree from Champlain College and project management certification, Mohamed Cisse embraces the "Why Not philosophy," fearlessly tackling unusual challenges to create a positive impact in Africa's development journey.
Mohamed participates in globally impactful events. He attended the 2023 World Trade Center Association Annual Conference in Accra, Ghana. Mohamed also attended the US-Africa Business Summit in Gaborone, Botswana, in 2023.
CEO - Tungsten Global Consulting, Inc.
Mohamed Cisse is a remarkable leader and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to community development in Sub-Saharan Africa. As the founder and CEO of Tungsten Global Consulting (TGC), he spearheads initiatives that focus on scientific research and agricultural and environmental advancements. Through strategic partnerships with reputable American companies, TGC aims to bring sustainable solutions to environmental and farming challenges, contributing to shared prosperity in the region.
Notably, Mr. Cisse's passion for healthcare and community well-being was evident during the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, where he organized the first Ebola Symposium at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. This endeavor facilitated collaboration between African ambassadors and healthcare experts, resulting in vital support for Cote d'Ivoire during the subsequent Covid-19 pandemic.
Mohamed's dedication extends beyond his business ventures. As an IVLP alum and YALI mentor, he actively promotes US foreign policies in Africa and empowers youth organizations through leadership and motivation coaching.
With a Bachelor of Science degree from Champlain College and project management certification, Mohamed Cisse embraces the "Why Not philosophy," fearlessly tackling unusual challenges to create a positive impact in Africa's development journey.
Mohamed participates in globally impactful events. He attended the 2023 World Trade Center Association Annual Conference in Accra, Ghana. Mohamed also attended the US-Africa Business Summit in Gaborone, Botswana, in 2023.
Janet H. Dougherty
Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Leader - Fulton Bank
Janet Dougherty joined Fulton Bank in 2008. She and her team of Commercial Relationship Managers, located in New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland, assist business owners and company financial officers eliminate cash flow uncertainty through multiple banking products and services. Janet is an expert with commercial mortgages, including the SBA 504 loan program, working capital lines of credit and international banking. Janet has a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Science in Public Communications from Syracuse University. She is active in the community; currently the Board President of Delaware Community Development Corporation and a member of the Christiana Rotary.
Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Leader - Fulton Bank
Janet Dougherty joined Fulton Bank in 2008. She and her team of Commercial Relationship Managers, located in New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland, assist business owners and company financial officers eliminate cash flow uncertainty through multiple banking products and services. Janet is an expert with commercial mortgages, including the SBA 504 loan program, working capital lines of credit and international banking. Janet has a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Science in Public Communications from Syracuse University. She is active in the community; currently the Board President of Delaware Community Development Corporation and a member of the Christiana Rotary.
Carmen Facciolo
NAI Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.
Carmen Facciolo, who became an Emory Hill partner in 1983, is the Director of NAI Emory Hill and President of Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc. and Vice President of Emory Hill & Company, the construction division.
Carmen’s extensive knowledge of the sales and leasing of industrial and commercial real estate and his experience in construction and development are supported by his previous positions with the Jackson Cross Company and Facciolo Construction. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial-Industrial Realty Council, and member of the Board of Directors for the Mary Campbell Center, where he also serves on the golf committee for the prestigious annual Charmie Welch Open golf fundraiser.
Carmen is a graduate of Widener University where he earned both a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Business and MBA degree. He is a licensed real estate agent and broker of record in Delaware and New Jersey.
NAI Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.
Carmen Facciolo, who became an Emory Hill partner in 1983, is the Director of NAI Emory Hill and President of Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc. and Vice President of Emory Hill & Company, the construction division.
Carmen’s extensive knowledge of the sales and leasing of industrial and commercial real estate and his experience in construction and development are supported by his previous positions with the Jackson Cross Company and Facciolo Construction. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial-Industrial Realty Council, and member of the Board of Directors for the Mary Campbell Center, where he also serves on the golf committee for the prestigious annual Charmie Welch Open golf fundraiser.
Carmen is a graduate of Widener University where he earned both a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Business and MBA degree. He is a licensed real estate agent and broker of record in Delaware and New Jersey.
Howard Henderson
Senior Associate - Triad Associates
Howard works as a Senior Associate for Triad Associates, the premier economic development consulting firm in Southern New Jersey. His area of focus is seeking funding opportunities for communities in the areas of infrastructure and business development.
Previously, Howard had a 42-year career at USDA Farmers Home Administration/Rural Development providing financial assistance to rural communities and individuals to promote economic development. During his career, he worked in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and at the headquarters office in Washington, DC. In August 2009, Howard was appointed as State Director for New Jersey. He served in this position until his retirement in January 2017. During his seven plus years as State Director, nearly $2 billion was obligated in loans, loan guarantees, and grants for rural economic development including single and multi family housing, infrastructure, community facilities, business, and energy programs.
Howard was called upon to serve as Acting Chief of Staff to the Administrator of the Rural Housing Service, one of three agencies that make up USDA Rural Development. He served in this capacity for eight months from November 2013 to July 2014, including several stints as Acting Administrator. He ran the day-to-day operations of the $35 billion a year Rural Housing Service, which administers the housing and community facilities programs. One of the major accomplishments was the public private funding initiative that was announced in 2014. This has led to several billion dollars in USDA assistance in partnership with private entities especially in the areas of health care and education. In addition, Howard served as a special advisor to the Under Secretary for Rural Development on an intermittent basis in 2015 and 2016.
Howard is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics. He also holds a Masters Degree from American University in public financial management.
Senior Associate - Triad Associates
Howard works as a Senior Associate for Triad Associates, the premier economic development consulting firm in Southern New Jersey. His area of focus is seeking funding opportunities for communities in the areas of infrastructure and business development.
Previously, Howard had a 42-year career at USDA Farmers Home Administration/Rural Development providing financial assistance to rural communities and individuals to promote economic development. During his career, he worked in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and at the headquarters office in Washington, DC. In August 2009, Howard was appointed as State Director for New Jersey. He served in this position until his retirement in January 2017. During his seven plus years as State Director, nearly $2 billion was obligated in loans, loan guarantees, and grants for rural economic development including single and multi family housing, infrastructure, community facilities, business, and energy programs.
Howard was called upon to serve as Acting Chief of Staff to the Administrator of the Rural Housing Service, one of three agencies that make up USDA Rural Development. He served in this capacity for eight months from November 2013 to July 2014, including several stints as Acting Administrator. He ran the day-to-day operations of the $35 billion a year Rural Housing Service, which administers the housing and community facilities programs. One of the major accomplishments was the public private funding initiative that was announced in 2014. This has led to several billion dollars in USDA assistance in partnership with private entities especially in the areas of health care and education. In addition, Howard served as a special advisor to the Under Secretary for Rural Development on an intermittent basis in 2015 and 2016.
Howard is a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural economics. He also holds a Masters Degree from American University in public financial management.
Lisa B. Himber
President - Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay
Lisa B. Himber is President of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a nonprofit trade association. The Maritime Exchange represents port businesses and related organizations operating throughout the tristate Delaware River region.
Ms. Himber is responsible for the various initiatives designed to meet the organization's mission to promote and protect maritime commerce within the Delaware River and Bay port complex. To meet this mission, she leads Maritime Exchange government affairs and public policy initiatives and works directly with legislative, regulatory, and enforcement agencies, including Customs, Coast Guard, USDA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition, Ms. Himber oversees Exchange programs such as its computer information network ¾ known as Maritime On-Line® ¾ communications and public relations, membership, organizational policy and procedures, and financial management.
Prior to her appointment as President, Ms. Himber served as Vice President, Director of Operations and Computer Operations Manager for the Maritime Exchange. She was responsible for the initial design, development, implementation, operation and user support for the various port automation programs operated by the Exchange. These include, among others, the TRACS cargo manifesting system, the PORTS tide and weather system developed with the National Ocean Service, and the Delaware River ID system which served as predecessor to the national Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Read more!
President - Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River & Bay
Lisa B. Himber is President of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a nonprofit trade association. The Maritime Exchange represents port businesses and related organizations operating throughout the tristate Delaware River region.
Ms. Himber is responsible for the various initiatives designed to meet the organization's mission to promote and protect maritime commerce within the Delaware River and Bay port complex. To meet this mission, she leads Maritime Exchange government affairs and public policy initiatives and works directly with legislative, regulatory, and enforcement agencies, including Customs, Coast Guard, USDA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
In addition, Ms. Himber oversees Exchange programs such as its computer information network ¾ known as Maritime On-Line® ¾ communications and public relations, membership, organizational policy and procedures, and financial management.
Prior to her appointment as President, Ms. Himber served as Vice President, Director of Operations and Computer Operations Manager for the Maritime Exchange. She was responsible for the initial design, development, implementation, operation and user support for the various port automation programs operated by the Exchange. These include, among others, the TRACS cargo manifesting system, the PORTS tide and weather system developed with the National Ocean Service, and the Delaware River ID system which served as predecessor to the national Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Read more!
George E. Kearns - Acting Chair
Chairman & CEO – MCC Worldwide
Mr Kearns’ experience includes trans-national political, business, and security issues at the highest levels. His exceptional versatility ranges from creative strategizing to implementation and operations. Examples of Mr Kearns range of international and domestic experience include Chairman and CEO of MCC Worldwide, C-MCC Development Group facilitating multi-commodity free trade centers, in countries such as Curaçao, Botswana and the Bahamas, seven years as an official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin, and 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. These examples as well as an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans illuminate 40-years of proven integrity, innovation and trust; the elements of a nexus of business, political, and cultural knowledge essential for conducting multi-national business in the private sector and advising foreign and US governments on economic and national security policies.
Chairman & CEO – MCC Worldwide
Mr Kearns’ experience includes trans-national political, business, and security issues at the highest levels. His exceptional versatility ranges from creative strategizing to implementation and operations. Examples of Mr Kearns range of international and domestic experience include Chairman and CEO of MCC Worldwide, C-MCC Development Group facilitating multi-commodity free trade centers, in countries such as Curaçao, Botswana and the Bahamas, seven years as an official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin, and 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. These examples as well as an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans illuminate 40-years of proven integrity, innovation and trust; the elements of a nexus of business, political, and cultural knowledge essential for conducting multi-national business in the private sector and advising foreign and US governments on economic and national security policies.
David Máthé
Regional Business Manager - Division of Small Business
David Máthé is a seasoned export trade promotion professional with more than 25 years of export trade experience with the State of Delaware where he proactively assisted small and medium sized Delaware businesses develop export markets and expand global export volumes. He has organized and led trade missions around the world assisting Delaware exporters enter new markets. He currently serves as Regional Business Manager on the domestic economic development team, where he manages a portfolio of business retention projects. He also serves as Special Advisor for International Relations to the Delaware Secretary of State and manages Delaware’s Sister State relationships in Japan and India. David is Past President of SIDO, the national organization under the umbrella of the Council of State Governments of state trade directors; a former member of the Mid Atlantic District Export Council; former chair of the Eastern Trade Council, a marketing initiative among the 10 Northeastern US states and was the 2012 Class President of the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Leadership Academy.
Regional Business Manager - Division of Small Business
David Máthé is a seasoned export trade promotion professional with more than 25 years of export trade experience with the State of Delaware where he proactively assisted small and medium sized Delaware businesses develop export markets and expand global export volumes. He has organized and led trade missions around the world assisting Delaware exporters enter new markets. He currently serves as Regional Business Manager on the domestic economic development team, where he manages a portfolio of business retention projects. He also serves as Special Advisor for International Relations to the Delaware Secretary of State and manages Delaware’s Sister State relationships in Japan and India. David is Past President of SIDO, the national organization under the umbrella of the Council of State Governments of state trade directors; a former member of the Mid Atlantic District Export Council; former chair of the Eastern Trade Council, a marketing initiative among the 10 Northeastern US states and was the 2012 Class President of the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Leadership Academy.
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!
Nicole Poore
Delaware State Senator (D)
Sen. Nicole Poore represents the 12th Senate District, which includes most of New Castle and Bear, all of Delaware City and communities south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, including Whitehall, Bayberry and others.
Raised in New Castle’s Jefferson Farms community, Sen. Poore graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School in 1990 and later earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Delaware Technical Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wilmington University.
She joined her brother in building a successful healthcare staffing startup that was later sold to Welsch Carson, one of the largest investment firms in the United States. Sen. Poore then became a senior client services manager for Agile 1, where she handled workforce solutions for the DuPont Co. Her professional and volunteer experience also includes serving as a member of the Delaware Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, volunteer work with the Rape Crisis Center and a stint as Exceptional Care for Children’s director of development. She is currently the president of Jobs for Delaware Graduates, a nonprofit that helps students connect with sustainable, skills-based career opportunities.
Sen. Poore’s interest in government policy began after the birth of her oldest son Nicholas, who was diagnosed cerebral palsy. Her activism in the special-needs community led to a successful 2012 bid for state Senate. Following her unchallenged bid for reelection in 2016, Sen. Poore was selected to serve as Senate Majority Whip by her peers. She then served as Senate Majority Leader from 2019 to 2021.
Sen. Poore currently chairs the Joint Capital Improvement Committee and serves as vice chair of both the Senate Health & Social Services Committee and the Senate Labor Committee. She also sits on the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee.
She and her husband Billy live in New Castle with their three children.
Delaware State Senator (D)
Sen. Nicole Poore represents the 12th Senate District, which includes most of New Castle and Bear, all of Delaware City and communities south of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal, including Whitehall, Bayberry and others.
Raised in New Castle’s Jefferson Farms community, Sen. Poore graduated from St. Elizabeth’s High School in 1990 and later earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Delaware Technical Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Wilmington University.
She joined her brother in building a successful healthcare staffing startup that was later sold to Welsch Carson, one of the largest investment firms in the United States. Sen. Poore then became a senior client services manager for Agile 1, where she handled workforce solutions for the DuPont Co. Her professional and volunteer experience also includes serving as a member of the Delaware Juvenile Justice Advisory Board, volunteer work with the Rape Crisis Center and a stint as Exceptional Care for Children’s director of development. She is currently the president of Jobs for Delaware Graduates, a nonprofit that helps students connect with sustainable, skills-based career opportunities.
Sen. Poore’s interest in government policy began after the birth of her oldest son Nicholas, who was diagnosed cerebral palsy. Her activism in the special-needs community led to a successful 2012 bid for state Senate. Following her unchallenged bid for reelection in 2016, Sen. Poore was selected to serve as Senate Majority Whip by her peers. She then served as Senate Majority Leader from 2019 to 2021.
Sen. Poore currently chairs the Joint Capital Improvement Committee and serves as vice chair of both the Senate Health & Social Services Committee and the Senate Labor Committee. She also sits on the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee.
She and her husband Billy live in New Castle with their three children.
Jeffrey N. Spiegelman
Delaware State Representative (R)
State Representative Jeff Spiegelman of Clayton was first elected in 2012 to represent in the Delaware House of Representatives the citizens of the 11th District, which includes parts of Clayton, Smyrna, Kenton and Middletown.
As a member of the House, Rep. Spiegelman serves as one of four co-chairmen of the ad hoc, bi-partisan committee, known as the Delaware Sportsmen’s Caucus. He also serves on the ad hoc House Small Business Caucus, as well as on the following standing House committees: Economic Development/Banking/Insurance/Commerce Committee, Housing & Community Affairs Committee, Joint Sunset (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) Committee (Ranking Member), Judiciary Committee (Ranking Member), Revenue & Finance Committee, and Veterans Affairs Committee.
Rep. Spiegelman’s membership affiliations outside the General Assembly include the following organizations: Air Mobility Command Museum Foundation; Kenton Ruritan; Civil Air Patrol (Major); and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Rep. Spiegelman is a commercial realtor and college history and politics instructor. He and his wife, Jenn, have two children: Saul and Elianah.
Delaware State Representative (R)
State Representative Jeff Spiegelman of Clayton was first elected in 2012 to represent in the Delaware House of Representatives the citizens of the 11th District, which includes parts of Clayton, Smyrna, Kenton and Middletown.
As a member of the House, Rep. Spiegelman serves as one of four co-chairmen of the ad hoc, bi-partisan committee, known as the Delaware Sportsmen’s Caucus. He also serves on the ad hoc House Small Business Caucus, as well as on the following standing House committees: Economic Development/Banking/Insurance/Commerce Committee, Housing & Community Affairs Committee, Joint Sunset (Policy Analysis & Government Accountability) Committee (Ranking Member), Judiciary Committee (Ranking Member), Revenue & Finance Committee, and Veterans Affairs Committee.
Rep. Spiegelman’s membership affiliations outside the General Assembly include the following organizations: Air Mobility Command Museum Foundation; Kenton Ruritan; Civil Air Patrol (Major); and the Republican Jewish Coalition.
Rep. Spiegelman is a commercial realtor and college history and politics instructor. He and his wife, Jenn, have two children: Saul and Elianah.
Rafael X. Zahralddin
Partner - Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
Rafael X. Zahralddin-Aravena is a partner in the Wilmington office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Corporate, Bankruptcy, Complex Business & Commercial Litigation, Digital Asset, and Ukraine Conflict Response Practices. He is a skilled business lawyer and litigator with significant experience advising clients in corporate and commercial litigation, insolvency, distressed M&A, compliance, corporate law and entity formation, corporate governance, commercial transactions, cyber law, regulatory actions, and cross-border issues.
Rafael represents clients in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring and has extensive experience in international commercial law issues, including cross-border insolvency, federal bankruptcy court matters, assignments for the benefits of creditors, and receiverships. Rafael’s international law experience, particularly in international commercial transactions, brings a unique and nuanced approach to business issues both inside and outside of distressed situations. Read more!
Partner - Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
Rafael X. Zahralddin-Aravena is a partner in the Wilmington office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Corporate, Bankruptcy, Complex Business & Commercial Litigation, Digital Asset, and Ukraine Conflict Response Practices. He is a skilled business lawyer and litigator with significant experience advising clients in corporate and commercial litigation, insolvency, distressed M&A, compliance, corporate law and entity formation, corporate governance, commercial transactions, cyber law, regulatory actions, and cross-border issues.
Rafael represents clients in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring and has extensive experience in international commercial law issues, including cross-border insolvency, federal bankruptcy court matters, assignments for the benefits of creditors, and receiverships. Rafael’s international law experience, particularly in international commercial transactions, brings a unique and nuanced approach to business issues both inside and outside of distressed situations. Read more!
Board Meeting Minutes
*Minutes - March 8, 2023
*Minutes - January 18, 2023
*Minutes - October 20, 2022
*Minutes - September 21, 2022
*Minutes - July 12, 2022
*Minutes - May 18, 2022
*Minutes - March 16, 2022
*Minutes - January 19, 2022
*Minutes - November 17, 2021
*Minutes - October 6, 2021
*Minutes - July 21, 2021
*Minutes - May 19, 2021
*Minutes - March 24, 2021
*Minutes - January 27, 2021
*Minutes - November 18, 2020
*Minutes - September 16, 2020
*Minutes - July 15, 2020
* Minutes - May 27, 2020
* Minutes - March 27, 2020
* Minutes - January 22, 2020
* Minutes - November 20, 2019
*Minutes - March 8, 2023
*Minutes - January 18, 2023
*Minutes - October 20, 2022
*Minutes - September 21, 2022
*Minutes - July 12, 2022
*Minutes - May 18, 2022
*Minutes - March 16, 2022
*Minutes - January 19, 2022
*Minutes - November 17, 2021
*Minutes - October 6, 2021
*Minutes - July 21, 2021
*Minutes - May 19, 2021
*Minutes - March 24, 2021
*Minutes - January 27, 2021
*Minutes - November 18, 2020
*Minutes - September 16, 2020
*Minutes - July 15, 2020
* Minutes - May 27, 2020
* Minutes - March 27, 2020
* Minutes - January 22, 2020
* Minutes - November 20, 2019
Director Emeritus
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!