Chair: Nelson Balido

Nelson Balido is a recognized leader operating at the intersection of government, public policy, private industry, and nonprofit sectors. Widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on U.S. border issues, his work focuses on trade, travel, and security across North America. He is the President and CEO of Balido and Associates, a strategic management consultancy, and the Founder and Chairman of the Border Commerce and Security Council, established in 2013.

Prior to his current roles, Mr. Balido served as President of the Border Trade Alliance and was appointed by the President of the United States to lead the Private Sector Division at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He later served on the Homeland Security Advisory Council, where he was awarded the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s highest civilian honor, the Outstanding Public Service Medal.

From 2010 through 2024, Mr. Balido was repeatedly appointed by the United States Trade Representative and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, across multiple presidential administrations, to serve on the Industry Trade Advisory Council on Customs and Trade Facilitation. In this role, he provided strategic guidance on international trade policy, customs modernization, and measures to strengthen U.S. global competitiveness and trade facilitation.

In 2021, he was appointed Consultant to the DHS Undersecretary for Intelligence, and in 2023, he was named Special Advisor in the Office of the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Throughout his career, Mr. Balido has worked closely with leaders across the United States, Canada, and Mexico to advance policy initiatives that strengthen cross-border cooperation, trade and security relations, energy development, and cultural ties.

In addition to his civilian leadership, Mr. Balido serves as an officer in the United States Navy Reserve, assigned to Special Operations Command North under U.S. Northern Command.