Former GM vet Smith joins Sandler & Travis

Former GM vet Smith joins Sandler & Travis Kevin Smith, known for his innovative work running a global customs compliance operation for General Motors, has joined Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services as senior vice president of strategic programs, the company said.
   Smith will be responsible for developing and implementing customs and business strategies for companies engaged in international trade.
   Smith, who started in the trade arena as a U.S. Customs officer in 1979, accepted a buyout from General Motors late last year as the struggling automaker sought to cut costs. During a 20-year career there he was responsible for developing customs policy and operations, global trade systems, dispute resolution and government advocacy in more than 60 countries.
   Smith has been an important advisor to the U.S. government on many legislative, regulatory and policy issues such as the Customs Modernization Act, the North American Free Trade Agreement, creation of the Department of Homeland Security and other supply chain security initiatives. He served on the Commercial Operations Advisory Committee to DHS and the Trade Support Network helping U.S. Customs stand up a new information technology system.
   Smith will be based in the trade consulting firm’s Detroit office.
   In related news, Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, an international trade law firm affiliated with STTAS, has hired export controls attorney Douglas N. Jacobson. He will represent companies involved in export enforcement actions brought by the U.S. government. ‘ Eric Kulisch