Commissioner Bonner stated, "Never has U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Office of International Affairs been more important than since 9/11. This office is implementing and managing CBP's most important extended border initiatives, including the Container Security Initiative (CSI), the Immigration Security Initiative (ISI) and the Export Security (EXPS) Program, all designed to detect and intercept terrorists and terrorist weapons before they reach the U.S. borders. These initiatives are critical to our priority homeland security mission."

"Keith Thomson's extensive international management experience and broad business background will help Customs and Border Protection expand upon its antiterrorism extended border programs," Commissioner Bonner added.

Thomson will be responsible for all of CBP's foreign initiatives, programs, and activities. This includes managing four divisions, a budget of more than $180 million, and oversight of more than 1,000 positions located at CBP's Headquarters and stationed in foreign countries. CBP's Office of International Affairs is also responsible for providing antiterrorism and other training to our foreign frontline customs and immigration counterparts around the world.

As the director of Trade Relations, Thomson fostered positive relationships with the trade community by serving as the liaison between industry and CBP officials.

Prior to assuming a leadership role with CBP, Thomson was a principal of the Sterling Group and chief executive officer of Sterling Consulting LLC, a strategic management consulting organization.

He was also president and CEO of Fluor Hanford Corporation. In that position he was responsible for providing nuclear and hazardous toxic waste clean-up services to the Department of Energy. Other positions with Fluor included president of Fluor's South Asia Region, and president of Fluor Daniel's North Latin America Region. In addition, Thomson also had twenty-two years of management responsibility with the Bechtel Group of Companies.

Thomson holds a Master of Business Administration Degree in Finance, Management and Marketing.

Michael Schmitz who was the acting Commissioner of International Affairs will resume his position of Assistant Commissioner for the Office of Regulations and Rulings.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control, and protection of our Nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.