Each DEC member has special expertise in international trade, and is dedicated to helping businesses in our region develop global sales.
DEC Executive Committee
Lani Ellingsworth, DEC Chair
Export Coordinator
Central Valley Manufacturer
cencaldec.lani@gmail.com
Phone: + 559-825-7266
In the dynamic world of international trade, Lani stands out as a seasoned professional whose career spans over two and a half decades.
With a portfolio that includes exporting a wide range of commodities, from food products to hard goods, Lani has established herself as a versatile and dependable figure in the industry. Her global reach is impressive, having successfully exported to 101 countries. This extensive experience has not only honed her expertise in navigating the complex web of international markets but also in mastering the intricacies of Compliance and Letters of Credit. These critical aspects of international trade require a deep understanding of legal and financial regulations, areas in which Lani has demonstrated exceptional proficiency.
Beyond the realm of exporting, Lani’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to venture into the logistics sector by having owned a trucking company. This experience has provided her with a unique perspective on the logistical challenges and solutions in the transportation of goods. It complements her export experience, as logistics play a crucial role in delivering products to international markets efficiently and on time. Her hands-on experience in managing a trucking company, understanding the nuances of cross-border transportation, and optimizing supply chain operations gives her an unparalleled edge in logistics management.
What sets Lani apart is not just her comprehensive skill set but also her bulldog tenacity. In the highly competitive and often unpredictable world of global trade, resilience and determination are indispensable qualities. Lani’s relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with her vast experience and knowledge, has undoubtedly contributed to her successful career. Her ability to navigate challenges, adapt to changing market dynamics, and consistently deliver results showcases her as a formidable figure in the industry. Lani’s story is a testament to the power of combining industry expertise with unwavering perseverance in carving out a successful career in international trade and logistics.
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Jerry Tyler, DEC Vice-Chair
President
Heart of Nature
2671 Boboli Court, Henderson NV 89052
jerry@whitehorseorganic.com
Phone: 661.978.4234
Jerry has extensive experience in exporting to multiple countries in Central and South America, as well as Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Africa. He was initially appointed to the SoCal DEC during the Obama Administration, then re-appointed during the Trump Administration, where he was part of the initial team for Central California where he still serves today.
Jerry has received the EEE award for exporting by the deputy Secretary of Commerce, as well as Congressional Recognition Awards from both Kevin McCarthy (R) and Jim Costa (D) for his job creation in California and Nevada , involving his mining and marketing Organic farm mineral inputs to multiple countries that bring revenues back to the United States.
Jerry spends his time between Henderson Nevada and Bakersfield California. In addition to his worldwide travels promoting Organic farming, he has attended National DEC meetings in Washington DC, as well as successfully lobbying for EXIM bank reauthorization on Capitol Hill. In his spare time, Jerry performs drums onstage with various recording artists between Hollywood, Bakersfield, Las Vegas and Nashville, a hobby since he was 8 years old. He and his wife have two daughters and 6 grandchildren.
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Brandi Rollins, DEC Treasurer
LOCK-N-STITCH Inc.
1015 S. Soderquist Rd., Turlock, CA 95380
Phone: 209.614.4124
For over 29 years, Brandi Rollins has been LOCK-N-STITCH INC. in Turlock, California, most recently Brandi has been the Operations and Control Director. Brandi has proven experience in managing and directing all aspects of company Management, logistics, inventory and accounting functions. Skilled in identifying business opportunities to increase cost savings, improving the effectiveness of processes and increasing revenue. Extensive knowledge of various industries including oil and gas, distribution, manufacturing, construction, education and agriculture. Experienced in building teams and developing staff to become the best at their jobs by encouraging personal and professional growth.
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Bernadette Rojas, DEC Executive Secretary
Director, U.S. Commercial Service
Central Valley and Coastal California
Bernadette.Rojas@trade.gov
801 R. St., Ste. 201, Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 559.486.1654
Expertise: Transportation, Logistics/ Supply Chain, China, Asia and Oceania
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DEC Members
Tim Bastian, DEC Vice Chair 2021 – 2023
Senior Director Risk
Western Oilfields Supply Company
tbastian@rainforrent.com
5101 Office Park Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93309
Phone: 661.399.9124
Tim has been with Western Oilfields Supply Company for over 27 years. As Vice President of Western Oilfields Supply, Tim has extensive experience in Risk, Purchasing, Credit and Leasing direct reports for the past 10 years. Tim is a detail-oriented Manager who runs a Credit & Collections Department like a well-oiled machine and still manages to promote a culture that is both competitive as well as collaborative. He provides his employees with clear, concise and obtainable goals.
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Ron Brown
Maritime Marketing & Commodities Representative
Port of Oakland
530 Water St, Oakland, CA 9460
rbrown@portoakland.com
Phone: 510. 627.1166
Ronald Brown is the Maritime Marketing and Commodities Representative at Port of Oakland, California, the Port is a major container ship facility, in the San Francisco Bay. An MBA graduate at Duke University and North Carolina State University in Chemical Engineering, Ron has been a representative of the Port for over 18 years. Under this very prestigious position, Ron continues to support Bay area and Central Valley businesses with transportation and cargo daily. Ron is an international business professional with experience in marketing, finance, transportation logistics, international trade, and supply chain management.
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Lexington Brownrigg
Director
Fresno Foreign Trade Zone
215 W Dakota Avenue Clovis, CA 93612
lexington@fresnoftz.com
Phone: 559.824.6749
Lexington Brownrigg has been Director of the Fresno Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) for over five years and has been a licensed Customs Broker since May 2018! She has expertise in logistics, compliance & export controls, documentation, and supply chain management. Lexie holds a bachelor’s degree in management science from UC San Diego. A Foreign Trade Zone is a designated piece of land that is considered outside of the United States for Customs purposes. Lexington can assist with importing, exporting and can significantly reduce operating costs, duty rates and product timeline. The FTZ can also increase cash flow and business opportunities.
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Anthony Hall, DEC Vice Chair 2019 – 2021
Owner
Hall Enterprise, LLC, 805 Wine
79 Niblick Road, Ste 247
ah@hallenterprise.org
Phone: 805 975-3004
With extensive knowledge in the wine industry, Anthony is the Chief Executive Member of 805 Wine in Paso Robles, California since 2019. With a selection of over 65 wines from the region, Anthony obtains a vast amount of global experience in exports. 805 Wines are selected specifically to satisfy the demands of the international wine consumer. Previously, Anthony was the President of Lindamar Industries which manufactured poly bag and plastic packaging products, food packaging certified to Global Food Safety Initiatives standards.
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Erika Hinsberger
Executive Director
Specialty Crop Trade Council
8050 N. Palm Avenue, Suite 300, Fresno, CA 93711
erikah@shipsctc.org
Phone: 559.389.5895
Specialty Crop Trade Council is a non-profit trade association that negotiates ocean freight rates for its members (exporters of dried fruit, tree nuts, and kindred products). Special expertise in transportation, logistics/ supply chain, China, Asia & Oceania.
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Michael Kelley
President and CEO
Central California Almond Growers Association
8325 S Madera Avenue, Kerman, California 93630 USA
michaelk@ccaga.com
Phone: 559.846.5377
A graduate from University of Southern California, Michael Kelley has been the President and Chief Executive Officer for Central California Almond Growers Association for over 18 years. The largest huller and sheller of Almonds in the world, the association attained this dominant position due to its beneficial location, a superior grower-run Board, and sound management. Established in 1963, the Association operates as an Agricultural Service Cooperative.
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Adam Starrh
Owner
Central Valley Commercial Exports, LLC
astarrh@gmail.com
Phone: 661.805.9015
Expertise in consumer goods, logistics/supply chain, marketing/ social media, eCommerce, market research, market entry strategies. Geographic focus on Asia & Oceania.
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Daniel Tamayo – DEC Chair 2021 – 2023
Director of International Students Program
Fresno City College
1101 E. University Ave., Fresno, CA 93741
daniel.tamayo@fresnocitycollege.edu
Phone: 559-362-0799
Daniel Tamayo’s expertise includes promoting higher education overseas and identifying and qualifying international buyers. His geographic expertise includes Asia and Oceania. Fresno City College is the first community college established in the State of California. It is a large, urban campus with over 100 academic programs; that provides all of the student support services and amenities found at four-year universities.
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Luiz Vilera – DEC Vice Chair 2021 – 2023
VP – Senior Relationship Manager – Dev-R
Bank of America
300 Town Center E, Santa Maria, CA, 93454-5164
luiz.vilera@bofa.com
Phone: 805.957.4438 | Mobile: 805.335.3081
Luiz Vilera is a Senior Relationship Manager for Bank of America Global Commercial Banking. Luiz has over 15 years of experience in cross border financial services which includes trade finance, derivatives, portfolio management and business development. He began his career as a commodity futures broker in Brazil. Prior to joining Bank of America, Luiz managed the portfolio of trade clients at Rabobank, N.A. In addition, Luiz has been appointed by the U.S. Department of Commerce as a member for the Central California District Export Council. Luiz loves to spend time with his wife and three kids and is a triathlon enthusiast.