Our Members
DEC members are local business people and government officials appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce whose knowledge of international business provides a source of professional advice to companies seeking to expand international sales. Members of the Idaho DEC play a major role in planning and coordinating export expansion activities of the U.S. Department of Commerce. The DEC also serves as a communication link between the business community and the Department. The DEC works very closely with the U.S. Commercial Service office in Boise in supporting the Idaho business community.
DEC Officers
Rendi Bell
IDEC Chair
Director International Sales
United Parcel Service (UPS)
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Rendi currently serves as the International Director of Sales for UPS. Her team of International Account Managers are focused on international business development with many Fortune 500 companies. Rendi has been directly involved with global expansion for a number of Fortune 500 companies. She holds a B.S. in Political Science International Relations and a minor in French and History. Rendi enjoys her work with the Idaho District Export Council and is currently serving as the vice chair of the IDEC. Rendi has over 25 years of business experience. Rendi resides in the Boise, Idaho area and is raising 3 sons with her husband Alan. In her spare time, she enjoys travelling, gardening, golfing, and reading.
Jennifer Verdon
IDEC Executive Secretary
Acting Director U.S. Commercial Service – Boise
U.S. Commercial Service Rural Export Center
Jennifer Verdon is an International Trade Specialist at the Rural Export Center in Boise, Idaho. She has a B.S. in International Business from Boise State University and completed an Advanced Certificate for Global Trade Development at the Thunderbird School of Global Management. Before joining the Rural Export Center in 2023, Mrs. Verdon served with the Idaho Department of Commerce since 2007. She led promotions for the state for Foreign Direct Investment opportunities. She also planned and/or participated in numerous global trade activities such as Governor-led trade missions, trade shows, inbound buying missions, trade workshops etc. Mrs. Verdon is routinely involved in planning international seminars and workshops while also serving as a member of the Idaho District Export Council and sitting on the board of the State International Development Organizations. At the Rural Export Center, Mrs. Verdon will help exporters with market research, due diligence, website globalization, and export education.
Alison Kelsey
IDEC Vice Chair
Director of Strategy and Project Management
Race Winning Brands
Alison Kelsey is the Director of Strategy and Project Management for Race Winning Brands a leading USA based manufacturer of high-performance and racing parts for automotive and powersports aftermarkets. Prior to joining Race Winning Brands, Alison led Rekluse Racing as General Manager. Since joining the company in 2010, Rekluse has earned recognition for its export success. Achievements include the 2012 National SBA Small Business Exporter of the Year and in 2013, the prestigious President’s E Award. Prior to joining Rekluse, Alison previously held positions within the motorcycle industry focused on front-line sales and marketing. She graduated from Boise State University with a BA in Psychology and a Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution.
Kristin Kyle-McQuesten
IDEC Treasurer
Trade Finance Manager
Banner Bank
International banker Kristin Kyle-McQuesten helps put the world in reach for businesses seeking trade across the globe. She holds a degree in Economics and a Certificate in International Economics from the University of Washington.
Over her 25-year banking career, Kristin has specialized in international banking and treasury management working for international, national, and regional banks. Before entering banking, Kristin worked in transportation and logistics, gaining insight that continues to inform her work today.
Kristin has been with Banner Bank for 14 years and currently leads the Bank’s team of trade finance professionals. She believes facilitating commerce to be at the heart of what she does and especially enjoys providing tailored solutions with a high level of service and security.
DEC Members
Kirk Adams
Worldwide Account Manager
FedEx Services
Kirk has 36 plus years of experience in the transportation industry, ranging from operations to sales. Industry segments include: less than truckload, small package express, and ground as well as international import and export. Recently, his focus has been on Fortune 100 companies with regards to how joint ventures and mergers will affect their supply chain decisions.
Kirk attended Washington State University in Pullman, WA. He received his bachelor’s degree in Economics with an option in Transportation.
As a past president of the Idaho DEC and current chair of the Legislative and Trade Policy committee, Kirk has worked extensively on trade issues.
Tracy Day
Assistant Director
Boise State University Intensive English Program
Tracy has documented success in leading cross-functional teams and developing enhancements to various global programs. Expertise in managing overall operations of international offices, including interaction with non-native and cross-culture English speakers, managing incoming study abroad application procedures, writing the proposals, and arranging the details with the universities, businesses and agents.
Highly-skilled in analyzing global environment and coordinating with international departments to improve overall processes. Background in directing international internship programs to support companies’ export capacity to Southeast Asia, and building partnerships for recruiting skilled talent from Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. Expert in administering pre-program planning, on-program implementation stages, and post-program wrap-up activities.
Talented in dealing with complex situations and delivering exceptional results within fast-paced environments. Possess excellent communication and negotiation skills.
Daniel Faricy
Director
Yamada Consulting Group
Dan is currently a Director for Yamada Consulting Group focused on the agricultural sector for companies looking to export to Asia and Southeast Asia. He also is responsible for Japanese firms looking to broaden their footprint in the United States through increased sales or M&A activity. Prior to joining Yamada, Dan was a founder and CEO of Wirestone and spent the early part of his career at Hewlett Packard and State Street Bank. He has an MBA from Northeastern University and a BA from the University of St. Thomas.
Ammon Hansen
Shareholder
Kirton McConkie
Ammon Hansen helps guide companies on international business matters involving international trade, export controls, enforcement matters, due diligence efforts, sanctions, and disputes. Prior to joining Kirton McConkie, Ammon worked as a Legal Director and Senior Trade Counsel at one of the world’s largest defense contractors advising on global trade and compliance matters, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and other government regulations.
As a former prosecutor, Ammon also assists companies dealing with government investigations, grand jury and document subpoenas, search warrants, and other government inquiries. He conducts internal investigations for small and large businesses and helps clients navigate state and federal criminal investigations and prosecutions. He has represented companies involved in government investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, and other federal and state law enforcement.
Mr. Hansen also represents companies involved in complex commercial litigation, business disputes, mass tort and negligence suits, agricultural claims, and insurance coverage litigation.
Laura Johnson
Bureau Chief
Idaho Department of Agriculture
Laura Johnson is the Bureau Chief at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture, Market Development Division. She oversees the Department’s domestic and international marketing programs aimed at expanding sales and creating economic opportunities for Idaho farmers, ranchers, and food processors. Since she joined the Department in 1991, she has coordinated sales missions and promotions in 18 countries and has participated in and co-managed over 20 Governor Trade Missions. She is a past President of the North American Agriculture Marketing Officials (NAAMO) organization. In 2005, she received a “40 under 40” recognition by American Food and Ag Exporter Magazine as one of 40 individuals across the country under 40 with significant contributions to agricultural exports.
Denisse S. Macias
Global Ambassador
Denisse Macias Globar Realtor
My name is Denisse Macias and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve the Idaho District Export Council.
My career in international business began 10 years back working with agricultural companies in Idaho. Helping companies boost their exports abroad gave me the experience of a lifetime in this field. During my time, I had the opportunity to work in many countries; such as India, China, México, Vietnam, Malaysia, Nepal, India amongst a few.
These experiences aligned me directly to what today is my vocation~ International Real Estate.
My goal as the Education & Outreach Committee Chair is to bring awareness to relevant export topics and grow interest in exporting in our state through advocating, mentoring, and educating.
Rachel Pusch
Director of Enrollment and Marketing
Riverstone International School
Rachel was born in California and grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, and Karachi, Pakistan. Living in Asia piqued her interest in languages, and she went on to study Asian Studies and Mandarin Chinese at Pomona College, from which she earned her bachelors degree. In addition to teaching English in Taiwan, Rachel’s work experience includes a background in international business and trade, as well as directing international student admissions for the College of Idaho. Rachel joined Riverstone in 2003 and currently serves as the Director of Admissions and Marketing. Rachel’s interests include travel and gardening, and she has an affinity for masks and stylish shoes.
Nancy Richardson
Senior Marketing Specialist
Idaho Tourism
Nancy Richardson was the International Tourism Specialist for the State of Idaho with the Department of Commerce in Tourism for over fourteen years. This year, she continues working with Idaho Tourism as the Senior Marketing Specialist and continues to market Idaho as a tourism destination both domestically and internationally.
She previously served as Director of Sales for Hyatt Place, Sales and Marketing Manager with Boise Tours and Boise Shuttle Service as partner in that business, and as a sales manager with the Boise CVB. She has volunteered in a number of organizations and served as officers in most of them; SWITA (Southwest Idaho Travel Association), Preservation Idaho – the Idaho Historic Preservation Council, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival board of trustees, Boise City Arts Commission – Events and Performing Arts board and review panel for Arts and History grant awards.
Nancy has a BS degree from Northern Montana College in Secondary Education – History and Social Science, where she pursued her greatest interests.
Derek Rose
Director of International Sales/Marketing
AERO Specialties, Inc.
Derek Rose is VP of Sales & Marketing at AERO Specialties, Inc. He holds a B.A. in Politics & Economics with a concentration in International Political Economies from the College of Idaho. Derek joined AERO Specialties in 2005, and has since managed the sales, marketing and logistical operations surrounding the exportation of American goods to foreign markets. Derek also oversees AERO’s domestic and foreign military sales.
Through his leadership, AERO specialties have seen significant growth in revenue and their capacity to effectively target international customers using online and direct marketing methods. Derek’s multifaceted approach to increasing sales abroad has made him an industry expert; earning AERO several exporting awards, including the 2010 SBA N.W. Region and Idaho Exporter of the Year.
Matt Smith
Vice President
Hamilton Manufacturing
For the past fifteen years Matt Smith has been exporting environmentally friendly products to over 35 countries worldwide. As Vice President of Hamilton Manufacturing Inc., he had the pleasure to live in South America and Europe while pursuing trading partners. During that time, he received his master’s degree in environmental technologies from the University of Swansea, Wales. He accepted the President’s “E” award on behalf of HMI for international trade in 2016. His lifelong goals include mastering German and Spanish.
Rich Stuppy
VP & Senior Customer Experience Leader
Kount an Equifax Company
For more than a decade Rich has been involved in developing fraud mitigation, compliance, and big data strategies. Rich came to Kount after 14 years with a fortune 50 retailer. His background in enterprise-class systems, machine learning, and analytics has shaped Kount’s technology into an industry leading platform helping clients scale their business while at the same time reducing fraud, risk, and loss.
In his role as Chief Customer Experience Officer, Rich is responsible for client success, data analytics, and ensuring Kount’s users have the best customer experience. Collaborating directly with customers, he works to inform Kount’s product roadmap, identify new and emerging threats, and drive innovation for ultimate customer satisfaction.
Rich regularly works with executives from all areas of the commerce, payments, and fraud-prevention ecosystems to discover trends and develop strategies that create value. Rich is a highly sought-after speaker for industry events and has addressed audiences around the world on several topics surrounding payments and fraud.
Gary Tucker
Launch Manager
studio\Blu at Boise State
Gary Tucker was named the Launch Manager of studio\Blu at Boise State in August of 2023 and became an official member of the IDEC in February of 2024.
Gary is an innovative executive with expert communication skills making the complex simple. With an established track record of assembling high-performing leadership teams and making order out of chaos, Gary is equally comfortable in large corporate and small start-up environments.
Gary has experienced across multiple business models, such as:
– Data and insights
– SaaS
– Hardware / subscription
– Financial Services
Gary has successfully led business growth and exit phases, namely:
– Private Equity Ownership
– Venture Capital backed investors and boards
– Debt financing and Reverse Merger experience
– Corporate / Public entities
– Strategic sale over $100 million
Gerd Uitdewilligen
Director of International Sales
Copeland
Mr. Uitdewilligen is the Director of International Sales at Copeland, which boasts a rich 100-year history of providing exceptional products to the HVACR market. Copeland’s extensive product range includes compressors, controls, thermostats, valves, software, and monitoring solutions that cater to the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Based in Boise, Idaho, Gerd was among the earliest employees of PakSense, which is a wholly-owned Emerson subsidiary. Gerd has played a key role in growing the company’s international business, expanding it to exports in 80 countries. Gerd’s remarkable export efforts earned him the Export Achievement Award from the US Commerce Department and recognition from US Senator Mike Crapo. As a long-term member of the Idaho District Council, he has coached multiple companies under the annual Export Excellence program. Gerd holds a Drs. Degree in International Economics from Tilburg University and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Economics from Montana State University. In his spare time, Gerd loves cycling, coaching soccer, and traveling with his three teenage sons.