Importers welcome new Customs deputy commissioner

By Staff -- Logistics Management, 10/1/2000

There were some long faces when Sam Banks, former U.S. Customs deputy commissioner, retired earlier this year. Banks, who was the agency's primary liaison with the importing community, was highly respected and well liked. Many wondered whether the Treasury Department would appoint a successor with whom they could work as well.

It did. In a move that pleased importers, brokers, and customs attorneys, the U.S. Customs Service appointed Charles W. Winwood deputy commissioner of Customs. Winwood, who is known for being a straight-talker with a dry sense of humor, had been acting deputy commissioner since Banks retired in February. In his new position, Winwood will be responsible for overseeing the agency's day-to-day operations and for its relationship with freight forwarders and importers.

Prior to his appointment, Winwood served as assistant commissioner, Office of Field Operations, where he was responsible for overseeing such areas as trade compliance, ports of entry, and Customs Management Centers. He also had some responsibility for anti-smuggling and informed compliance programs.

Winwood also has held assistant commissioner positions in the agency's Office of Strategic Trade and Office of Inspection and Control. He has been with the Customs Service since 1972 and holds degrees in education, management, and public administration. He has received several professional honors, including the 1994 Federal Executive of the Year Award from the Federal Executive Institute.