Jerry Hingle, Project Lead
Jerry Hingle, President of International Trade Associates, has a proven, 25+ year successful track record at managing FAS-funded export development programs. For eight years he served as Executive Director of the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) where he oversaw $8 to $10 million in annual FAS program funding and an office of 12 professional staff. His work also includes 14 years developing multinational markets for U.S. wood products through FAS-funded promotion programs. He has worked closely with the FAS officers and staff in Washington and Posts for many years.
He currently administers FAS programs on behalf of several cooperators including the Southern Forest Products Association, the American Sweet Potato Marketing Institute, and the California Strawberry Commission. He’s also worked with numerous other FAS cooperators on program training, compliance, and strategic planning on a project basis.
He has undergone dozens of FAS compliance reviews with nearly impeccable results and rare findings.
He is a native of New Orleans, where he graduated from Loyola University in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, majoring in marketing. Two years later, he earned his MBA from the European University in Brussels, Belgium, specialized in international management.
He is media trained and a go-to source for print, radio, and television stories and has been featured in numerous trade media outlets as well as NPR and BBC World.
Appointments, Board Positions, and Affiliations
U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC):
Served as a security-cleared advisor to help guide U.S. negotiating objectives on matters related to agricultural trade policy.
U.S. Department of Commerce Industry Trade Advisory Committee on Forest Products (ITAC):
Appointed by the Secretary of Commerce and U.S. Trade Representative for a third term as a security-cleared advisor on trade issues affecting the forest products industry. Most work centering on negotiating rounds on several bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements and economic partnerships.
Louisiana District Export Council:
Hingle is serving his second term as Chairman of the Louisiana District Export Council, appointed by the Secretary of Commerce to this regional council to guide businesses on international trade and advocate for free and fair trade.
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) National Citizens Academy Alumni Association:
Alumni and active member of the FBI Citizens Academy through which community leaders assist with outreach on the inner workings, mission and priorities of the Bureau.
World Trade Center of New Orleans:
Hingle served on the organization’s Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and as Chairman of its Agriculture Committee.
Vernon Barabino, Program Finance and Compliance Manager
Vernon has a 35-year track record managing the finances of FAS programs and assuring compliance with its many regulations. While Director of Financial Services with the FAS cooperator Southern Forest Products Association he managed over $20 million in FAS program funds, including MAP, FMD, ATP, EMP, and RAPP. He has also undergone dozens of FAS compliance reviews with nearly impeccable results and rare findings.
Emily Dodart, Program Accountant
Emily has 25 years of experience in accounting, overseeing complex budgets, paperless filing systems, and managing grants. She’s worked for non-profits, academia, and the private sector. She completed her undergraduate degree with honors.
International Trade Associates 