Ms. Walden is a native Texan, growing up in Houston and working there early in her career. She attended Hampton University in Hampton, Va., where she majored in accounting and also met her future husband.

Photo Credit: James Tourtellotte

Eulah Walden receives the CBP ensign from Commissioner Bonner upon her retirement.

Some firsts
She started her federal career with the Social Security Administration, moving to the Veteran’s Administration, before finding her final career home with the U.S. Customs Service in 1980. She was one of the first three female inspectors hired in Houston.

Like many women working with law enforcement, at the outset of her career she faced what might today be viewed as quaint practices. Being a “pioneer” resulted in some amusing situations. Women could not wear pants and when she became pregnant, there were no uniforms designed for pregnant women. A resourceful Customs Service provided her with money to buy uniform fabric to have a maternity jumper made. Women also had their work environments restricted. They were not allowed to work overtime clearing cargo on vessels coming into the docks because the waterfront was considered too dangerous and risky.

Ms. Walden takes a benign view towards these policies, saying, “It was a different time, and the agency took a protective attitude towards women.” Ms. Walden recalls that her colleagues were very supportive and accepting. She says, “It was the most exciting job I ever had, knowing that my work impacted the goods coming into the country.”

Washington, D.C. bound
When her husband’s transfer brought her to Washington, she was hopeful that she could work at either Dulles or Baltimore-Washington airport. A freeze on inspector jobs dashed her hopes.

But what could have been viewed as a set back, instead launched her career in a new direction. Eula was offered a position in the Office of Export Controls. She worked on a number of automation projects, including the Automated Export System and on the development of the automated manifest.

This work was her entrée into the world of trade. The breadth of her experience resulted in her being asked to act in critical positions—as acting Port Director in Amarillo, Tex., and in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She began working in the Trade Ombudsman’s office in 1996 as the Deputy Trade Ombudsman, bringing stability and consistency to the office. For many the name, Eula Walden, is synonymous with trade relations policy, and she is well known as a “go to” person for resolving complaints and concerns raised by the trade. “Challenge is what motivates me. A challenge directs my focus and stimulates my determination to succeed,” says Ms. Walden. Those who know her attest that her graciousness and poise belie a tenacity and ability to tackle prickly, sensitive issues.

The trade arena evolves
She has seen many changes in the trade arena since the beginning of her career. The office initially known as the Trade Ombudsman because its main function was resolving complaints, became the Office of Trade Relations in February 2002, to better reflect the broadening of responsibility. After the terrorist attacks on 9/11, it was clear that quantum leaps would be necessary to adapt to the new evolving global trade environment. While the cataclysmic event of 9/11 brought about many positive changes, foremost was a new cohesiveness between the private and public sectors. Working towards common goals and against a common enemy forged a strong partnership and brought new meaning to the notion of working together.

The future holds many challenges for the global trade sector, ranging from adequate resources to infrastructure issues. The time for acting in isolation is past. Trade and security initiatives will have to be coordinated and in sync. Global standards for base line security will be the norm. In Walden’s opinion, communication and intelligence sharing are the most critical issues facing the trade community and Customs and Border Protection. “ It is time that companies, including small businesses, recognize the need to secure the supply chain. Those who can meet security standards will find that CBP is dedicated to facilitating compliant legal trade and keeping our trade economy vibrant,” says Walden.

On a personal level, what will follow such a memorable career? Family—including three grandsons, travel, and church activities, where her musical talents shine as the church organist. Her greatest accomplishment—to still be energized and enjoy the work she does. With so much going on within CBP, why retire? “I haven’t accomplished everything that I wanted to, but I have been fulfilled by my career. And it is time,” says Walden. Implicit in her words are that this dynamic woman is showing us the way—moving forward to embrace new challenges.