“James has done a superb job of growing WITA and its membership over the past nine years, and I am excited that we will now be able to take advantage of his many talents on behalf of the NFTC, particularly as we approach our centennial,” said NFTC President Bill Reinsch. “This is a great fit on many levels, and we look forward to his arrival. Given his extensive background in international trade, we know that James will be an asset as we advocate policies to maximize U.S. economic growth and job creation through increased engagement in the global economy.”
As Vice President for Strategy and Growth, Wilkinson will lead NFTC’s business development efforts, including marketing, communications and membership growth, as well as coordination with the Board of Directors and organizing the NFTC Foundation’s annual World Trade Dinner.
While at WITA, Wilkinson doubled individual membership and the number of corporate sponsors and group memberships. He also launched the Young Trade Professionals and USTR Alumni Association affiliate groups. In February 2012, he was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce John Bryson to the District Export Council (DEC), a public-private sector organization helping small- and medium-sized enterprises in the area advance their export operations.
Prior to joining WITA, Wilkinson managed business development and customer relations for several international educational organizations. Wilkinson is also active in municipal government, serving in his second term as Mayor Pro Tem for the Town of Berwyn Heights, MD. In this capacity, he serves as Head of the Public Works Department, leads the Town’s efforts to build more sidewalks, particularly along bus routes and routes to schools, and serves as Mayor when the Mayor is absent. He has served as a Council Member since May of 2009.
Wilkinson holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, and in 2012 earned the prestigious Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).
