Colleagues, founders, friends.

We are deeply saddened to share that Marva Washburn, our Vice President of U.S. Customs & Compliance and Licensed Customs Broker (LCB), passed away unexpectedly this week.

With more than 30 years in the industry and over 16 of those years spent helping shape our organization, Marva became far more than a leader. She was a visionary who elevated our work, a trusted expert in the Customs Brokerage field, and a champion for the people she supported every day. Her dedication and compassion influenced every part of our company, and the impact she made will continue to guide us for years to come.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Washburn family, friends, and all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Please keep her loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Ann Lister. She passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep at her home in Springtown, TX on Monday, October 6, 2025. Ann was born in San Jose, CA to Jo Davis and Ralph Waldemar Frost on January 8, 1954. She now joins her parents and younger sister in eternal peace and is survived by her twin brother, Daniel.

Ann received a degree in Christian Education from the Moody Bible Institute and a graduate degree from Dallas Baptist University in Chemistry/Biology. Ann was an extraordinary woman who also served her country honorably in the United States Navy and travelled the world making many connections. She became a licensed customs broker and worked as a trade consultant for Circle International before joining Texas Instruments as their Global Compliance Manager.

After the tragic events of 9/11, Ann co-founded the International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) with her good friend, Lynda Thomas, over a conversation in a coffee shop with nothing but a contact list. They held their first ICPA conference in San Diego in 2003.

After becoming the Chief Operating Officer for ICPA in 2011, Ann was a fearless leader who grew the organization to over 3,000 members and considered many to be part of her extended family. It was common for Ann to know the names of your parents, children, grandchildren, and pets! She had a heart of gold and was always there to lend a helping hand to any ICPA member, even their extended family. The entire ICPA community will miss her leadership and friendship.

Ann is survived by her only daughter, Elisabeth Sherrell, and her beloved grandchildren: Victoria, Aurora, and Zoey, as well as Jermiah and Jimmal Kincaide through Ann’s adopted son. Ann’s sweet dog, Dixie, is being cared for by family. Ann loved animals and spent time as a volunteer at her church where she had many friends in her book and bible clubs.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ann can be made to St. Anne’s Church or the ICPA Lister-Thomas Scholarship Foundation that funds college students and those with a passion for international trade compliance. If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to ICPA, Inc. with reference to the Lister-Thomas Scholarship Fund and mail to ICPA Inc. at P.O. Box 161056, Fort Worth, TX 76161.

As you know, Elisabeth was born into the ICPA organization and will lead it going forward to honor Ann’s legacy. We thank you for your support during this difficult time for the ICPA organization.

Barbara Spector Yeninas, of Holmdel, NJ, died on May 31 at the age of 84. She was the founder of the premier marketing communications agency BSY Associates, which specialized in maritime, supply chain and logistics and this year celebrated 50 years of business. She will long be remembered as a trailblazer who paved the way for women in the male-dominated maritime industry.

Barbara was born on March 21, 1940 in the Bronx, NY, to parents Rose Olenberg Spector and Robert Spector. She moved with her family to Lakewood, NJ, where, as a gifted student, she skipped two grades and graduated high school at the age of 16. She discovered her love of journalism while attending New York University. Her first professional position was with the Asbury Park Press, but she very quickly moved over to its competitor, the Newark Evening News, as a general assignment reporter.

While covering the port-driven city, Barbara became immersed in the maritime sector at a time when maritime reporting was almost non-existent. She immediately recognized the magnitude of containerization and a new transportation concept called “globalization,” and became the Newark News’ first maritime editor — a move which launched her career and pushed the Port of Newark into the global spotlight.

In 1974, Barbara created Barbara Spector Yeninas Associates (BSY) as the premiere voice in maritime and transportation public relations and marketing. Her integrity, tenacity, and drive were the key to her success at a moment when women were rarely seen on the docks. She established an illustrious, international list of clients, including PACE, Evergreen Marine Corp., Port of Hamburg, Horizon Lines, Global Terminals, INTTRA and Maher Terminals.

She served as Executive Director for the Containerization & Intermodal Institute for 35 years, and as Executive Director of the NY/NJ Foreign Freight Forwarders and Brokers Association for 18 years. For almost five decades she produced the United Seamen Service’s Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards.

But what Barbara will be remembered for most of all was her deep commitment to helping, caring for, and lifting those around her. As good friend and colleague Joe Bonney said, “She just made everyone better.”

Ronald Eugene Edelstein, age 80, died in Austin, Texas, on Friday, April 26, 2024. He was born in Columbus, Mississippi on November 18, 1943. He was orphaned as a child and raised by his grandparents in the small town of Vernon, Alabama. He attended Marion Military Institute in Alabama, then graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

He enlisted in the Navy and did one tour of active duty on the diesel submarine Angler and the destroyer Basilone, then spent 30 years in the reserves, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.

As a civilian he worked from 1970 to 1977 as a U.S. Customs Inspector at the border between Tijuana, Mexico, and San Ysidro, California. He then became Chief of Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures, Los Angeles District, from 1977 to 1981. He left that job to become the import/export manager for Fujitsu America, and continued in the field until retirement, working for Texas Instruments, Litton Industries, Solectron and Freescale.

He served on the board of several industry organizations dedicated to keeping their members educated on issues of export and import. He was an avid reader and collector, a great conversationalist, and was known for being a punster.

He is survived by his wife, Linda (Lee) Edelstein, whom he married on April 10, 1965, his four children, six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Paulsen King Vandevert died at home of a heart attack on March 14, 2023. Born in San Francisco August 10, 1958, he was truly the apple of his parents’ eyes — Alan Paulsen Vandevert and Elodie, nee King.

After Columbia he worked as a paralegal in New York at Davis Polk & Wardwell, then attended law school at Case Western Reserve. His friend Richard Wortman introduced him to Customs Law — and the rest is history.

In 1994 he was hired by General Motors and moved to Michigan. His career took him through General Motors, Delphi and Ford, and after retirement to his own solo practice, Vandevert Trade Law PLC. A colleague wrote: “He was fast to share his experience. Did not hold anything back… Knowledge with a sense of humor I suppose is the best way to describe my friend.”

Whatever his profession, Paul’s passion remained with theater. He served the Players Guild of Dearborn for many years as Lights and Sound Governor, as Past President from 2002–2004, as Finance Committee Chair and on the Building Committee, and provided legal counsel to the organization over the years.

Paul is survived by his wife, Caroline (Carrie) Serfass; his son, John David Vandevert; his sister Margaret King; his brother John’s three children; and his two companion dogs.

Steven Ben Rubinson, of Sycamore, IL, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on November 7, 2022, at the age of 60.

Steve was born in Waukegan, IL, on August 27, 1962. He began his formal education at Wayne State University and later transferred to Northern Illinois University, where he graduated with a BA in German Language and Literature and an MBA in Business Administration. He subsequently acquired his US Customs Brokers License from CBP — an accomplishment he was very proud of.

Steve held many positions in the logistics and import/export compliance fields for such industry greats as Navistar, Case New Holland, Motorola, Tenneco, Johnson Controls, Abbott, and Harley Davidson. One of Steve’s favorite gigs was teaching motorcycle safety classes for Harley Davidson.

He loved quiet home time with his family, doing home renovation projects, and taking motorcycle road trips with his buddies. Everyone who knew Steve enjoyed his quick wit and amazing knowledge of obscure trivia.

Karl J. Riedl, 73, of Davidson, NC died unexpectedly on March 19, 2022 from cardiac arrest. His loss is deeply felt by family and friends.

Karl was born on May 10th, 1948 in Kings County, New York. He attended Manhattan College where he obtained a B.S. in Marketing, and later an M.B.A. from Baruch College.

Karl’s first career was with the U.S. Customs Service. He attained the position of National Import Specialist and retired after 25 years of service. His second career was with Robert Bosch Corporation as Director of International Trade. He was a member and board member of several professional organizations: American Association of Exporters and Importers (Chairman); International Compliance Professionals Association (Chairman, President); National Association of Foreign Trade Zones.

Anyone who knew Karl knew that he was kind and caring. He had an immense passion for life and helping others. He is survived by his wife, Eileen, son Erik, daughter Koren, and stepsons Josh and David.

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Linda Lou Veronica Campanian Mydland. After a brave fight with leukemia Linda slipped away quietly surrounded by her loving family on May 2, 2021.

Linda was born in Great Falls on August 24, 1962. She grew up in the close community of Sweetgrass and graduated from North Toole County High School in Sunburst. Linda’s love for the people of this community stayed with her throughout her life.

Linda began her career in international trade and logistics in 1989. In 1994 she obtained her individual Customs Broker License and later also became a Certified Customs Specialist. She joined A.N. Deringer in 1994 where she proudly served until her passing, an integral part of their leadership team as Western District Manager. Throughout Deringer she was known for her integrity, her strong sense of customer service, and her unfailing dedication.

Linda married the love of her life, David Mydland, on July 21, 2001. She was a caregiver, a gift-giver, and a friend to many — often forming close friendships with elderly people, sharing time playing cards and visiting.

During Linda’s illness she realized the importance of blood and platelet donations. In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider giving the gift of life in her honor.

Samuel B. Weber of Pompton Lakes, NJ, passed away on Friday, September 6, 2019. Devoted husband of Abbe (nee Nadler). Loving father to Nathan (Laurel) and Marley. Cherished grandfather to Liam. Dear brother to Donna (Irwin).

Sam worked as the Senior Sales Director for North America at Amber Road Inc., in East Rutherford, NJ. He was recognized as salesman of the year numerous times, and was deeply respected and adored by his co-workers.

Donations in memory of Samuel B. Weber may be made to a local animal rescue.

Joel Rudi Junker, 69, of Seattle, Washington, and Solana Beach, California, passed away on August 31, 2019. Joel was born in Eldora, Iowa, on January 22, 1950. He attended Valparaiso University, where he was Student Senate President, and graduated with a Political Science degree in 1972. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from California Western School of Law in 1977, where he was Editor in Chief of the Cal Western International Law Journal, and returned to the University of Cambridge, Trinity Hall, where he received his LL.B (Honors) in 1978.

Joel was a customs and trade attorney and the founder of a specialty international trade law firm, Joel R. Junker & Associates, in 1991. He was a member of the California and Washington State Bar Associations, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, and the U.S. Court of International Trade. In 2001, Joel was considered for the position of Commissioner of Customs. In 2014, he formed a partnership with Matt Nakachi.

Joel had many interests outside of law. He was an avid golfer and rower, enjoyed reading, music and travel, and was the author of two published works of fiction. Joel’s greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

Donnie Bailey Turbeville Barnes, 68, of Moore, SC, died Saturday, July 4, 2015 at Rosecrest. Born June 30, 1947, in Gaston County, NC, and reared in Lincolnton, NC.

Donnie was a 1965 graduate of Lincolnton High School and held several degrees from USC-Columbia. She retired from BMW as a manager of Customs Compliance. She was also a member of Joy Lutheran Church.

Survivors include her mother, her husband Edward N. Barnes, her daughter Kelly McDill, her son Michael Kiser, two step-daughters, two brothers, 14 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.