The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Trade has announced the appointment of Susan S. Thomas as the new Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner (aEAC) in a recent LinkedIn post. With 30 years of experience at CBP, Thomas brings extensive expertise in cargo security, trade enforcement, and operational strategy.
Prior to this appointment, Thomas served as the Executive Director for Cargo and Conveyance Security in CBP’s Office of Field Operations, where she was responsible for advancing cargo innovation, security controls, and trade operations. She oversaw critical programs, including the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the enforcement of fines, penalties, and forfeitures related to cargo violations.
Thomas has held several other key leadership positions within CBP, contributing to the agency’s trade enforcement and operational effectiveness. As the Acting Deputy Director of Field Operations at the Los Angeles Field Office, she managed over 2,000 personnel and supervised CBP operations across major transportation hubs in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Earlier in her career, Thomas served as the Acting Assistant Port Director for Cargo Operations at John F. Kennedy International Airport, overseeing trade enforcement, agriculture operations, and mail facilities. She also led the National Targeting Center Cargo Division, where she was instrumental in strengthening CBP’s cargo targeting systems and enforcement efforts. Additionally, she contributed to the operational transition of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise, enhancing trade oversight and efficiency.
Thomas began her career with the U.S. Customs Service in 1995 as an import specialist at the Port of Philadelphia. She now steps into her new role leading CBP’s Office of Trade, where she will oversee the enforcement of U.S. trade laws and policies that protect the economy and ensure fair trade practices.