WINWOOD VOWS TO KEEP CUSTOMS ON COURSE THROUGH CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

WINWOOD VOWS TO KEEP CUSTOMS ON COURSE THROUGH CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP    Charles Winwood, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs, has vowed to keep the agency on course while the Bush Administration decides on its pick for the new commissioner.
   Winwood, deputy commissioner and 29-year veteran of Customs, stepped into the acting commissioner’s role after Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly announced his resignation last week.
   “A change in leadership does not mean a change in priorities,” Winwood said in a letter to the agency staff. “We have a strong agenda in place for the Customs Service, and we will stay focused on its goals.”
   Winwood said the agency will continue its work on training, development of the new computer system (the Automated Commercial Environment), and outreach to the industry. Customs will also press for additional resources from the new Congress.
   “Commissioner Kelly leaves Customs a stronger, more vital organization than it has even been,” Winwood said. “It is my firm pledge as acting commissioner of Customs to keep it that way.”