Board of Directors
Ravi Ammigan
Associate Provost for International Programs - University of Delaware
Dr. Ravi Ammigan serves as Associate Provost for International Programs at the University of Delaware (UD). With over 20 years of experience in the field of international higher education, he currently leads his institution’s internationalization strategy and global engagement initiatives for students, faculty, and staff. He oversees the Center for Global Programs and Services, which houses the operations of Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, and Global Outreach and Partnerships, and works in close collaboration with partner units on campus and in the local community to broaden the University’s international portfolio and global collective impact.
Dr. Ammigan holds a faculty appointment in UD's School of Education, where his main research focuses on the academic, social, and cultural experiences of international students at higher education institutions globally. He is editor of the books “Cross-Cultural Narratives: Stories and Experiences of International Students” (2021); “COVID-19 and Higher Education in the Global Context: Exploring Contemporary Issues and Challenges” (2022); and “Supporting International Students in U.S. Higher Education: A Theory-Based Approach” (2024). He earned a BA in Business, an MA in Communication, and a PhD in Higher Education Internationalization.
Associate Provost for International Programs - University of Delaware
Dr. Ravi Ammigan serves as Associate Provost for International Programs at the University of Delaware (UD). With over 20 years of experience in the field of international higher education, he currently leads his institution’s internationalization strategy and global engagement initiatives for students, faculty, and staff. He oversees the Center for Global Programs and Services, which houses the operations of Study Abroad, International Student and Scholar Services, and Global Outreach and Partnerships, and works in close collaboration with partner units on campus and in the local community to broaden the University’s international portfolio and global collective impact.
Dr. Ammigan holds a faculty appointment in UD's School of Education, where his main research focuses on the academic, social, and cultural experiences of international students at higher education institutions globally. He is editor of the books “Cross-Cultural Narratives: Stories and Experiences of International Students” (2021); “COVID-19 and Higher Education in the Global Context: Exploring Contemporary Issues and Challenges” (2022); and “Supporting International Students in U.S. Higher Education: A Theory-Based Approach” (2024). He earned a BA in Business, an MA in Communication, and a PhD in Higher Education Internationalization.
Stephanie L. Chapman, CPA - Treasurer
Director, Tax & Small Business / International Services - Belfint, Lyons & Shuman
With the support of the firm’s International Services team, Stephanie specializes in providing United States tax compliance and advisory services for foreign entities and U.S. expatriates. Stephanie works with foreign business owners and their advisors to establish their tax residency, develop banking and legal relationships, and remain ahead of their various U.S. tax exposures. Expatriates benefit from Stephanie’s experience in minimizing tax liabilities through the benefits of treaties and incentives. Stephanie is also responsible for identifying training opportunities for staff as it relates to the International Services division, as well as niche business development and growth.
Stephanie has been published in local trade magazines including Delaware Banker. She has been invited to speak at the IRS Small Practitioner’s Annual Tax Forum; the Delaware Tax Institute; the PrimeGlobal World, North American and Latin American National Tax Conferences; as well as private speaking engagements in the U.K. and Germany to entrepreneurs on expanding to the U.S. market.
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Director, Tax & Small Business / International Services - Belfint, Lyons & Shuman
With the support of the firm’s International Services team, Stephanie specializes in providing United States tax compliance and advisory services for foreign entities and U.S. expatriates. Stephanie works with foreign business owners and their advisors to establish their tax residency, develop banking and legal relationships, and remain ahead of their various U.S. tax exposures. Expatriates benefit from Stephanie’s experience in minimizing tax liabilities through the benefits of treaties and incentives. Stephanie is also responsible for identifying training opportunities for staff as it relates to the International Services division, as well as niche business development and growth.
Stephanie has been published in local trade magazines including Delaware Banker. She has been invited to speak at the IRS Small Practitioner’s Annual Tax Forum; the Delaware Tax Institute; the PrimeGlobal World, North American and Latin American National Tax Conferences; as well as private speaking engagements in the U.K. and Germany to entrepreneurs on expanding to the U.S. market.
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Janet H. Dougherty
Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Executive - Fulton Bank
Janet Dougherty joined Fulton Bank in 2008. She and her team of Commercial Relationship Managers, located in New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland, assist business owners and company financial officers eliminate cash flow uncertainty through multiple banking products and services. Janet is an expert with commercial mortgages, including the SBA 504 loan program, working capital lines of credit and international banking. Janet has a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Science in Public Communications from Syracuse University. She is active in the community; currently the Board President of Delaware Community Development Corporation and a member of the Christiana Rotary.
Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Executive - Fulton Bank
Janet Dougherty joined Fulton Bank in 2008. She and her team of Commercial Relationship Managers, located in New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland, assist business owners and company financial officers eliminate cash flow uncertainty through multiple banking products and services. Janet is an expert with commercial mortgages, including the SBA 504 loan program, working capital lines of credit and international banking. Janet has a Master’s in Business Administration with a focus in Finance from the University of Delaware and a Bachelor of Science in Public Communications from Syracuse University. She is active in the community; currently the Board President of Delaware Community Development Corporation and a member of the Christiana Rotary.
Carmen Facciolo
Partner - NAI Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.
Carmen Facciolo, who became an Emory Hill partner in 1983, is the Director of NAI Emory Hill and President of Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc. and Vice President of Emory Hill & Company, the construction division.
Carmen’s extensive knowledge of the sales and leasing of industrial and commercial real estate and his experience in construction and development are supported by his previous positions with the Jackson Cross Company and Facciolo Construction. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial-Industrial Realty Council, and member of the Board of Directors for the Mary Campbell Center, where he also serves on the golf committee for the prestigious annual Charmie Welch Open golf fundraiser.
Carmen is a graduate of Widener University where he earned both a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Business and MBA degree. He is a licensed real estate agent and broker of record in Delaware and New Jersey.
Partner - NAI Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.
Carmen Facciolo, who became an Emory Hill partner in 1983, is the Director of NAI Emory Hill and President of Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc. and Vice President of Emory Hill & Company, the construction division.
Carmen’s extensive knowledge of the sales and leasing of industrial and commercial real estate and his experience in construction and development are supported by his previous positions with the Jackson Cross Company and Facciolo Construction. He is a past member of the Board of Directors of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of the Commercial-Industrial Realty Council, and member of the Board of Directors for the Mary Campbell Center, where he also serves on the golf committee for the prestigious annual Charmie Welch Open golf fundraiser.
Carmen is a graduate of Widener University where he earned both a BA in Political Science with a Minor in Business and MBA degree. He is a licensed real estate agent and broker of record in Delaware and New Jersey.
JC Fernandez-Seoane
Director of Foreign Exchange - WSFS Bank
JC is WSFS Director of Foreign Exchange. He has 30 years’ experience in helping customers manage financial risks. His main goal at the bank is to design and deliver foreign exchange risk management solutions to customers with international exposures. Before joining WSFS, JC worked for several international banks, first in Europe (London, Paris and Madrid), and later in New York City. He also teaches risk management and international finance at several US universities.
JC holds a master’s degree in international economics from Sciences-Po in Paris, an Executive MBA from the London Business School, and a master’s degree in extension studies from Harvard University.
Director of Foreign Exchange - WSFS Bank
JC is WSFS Director of Foreign Exchange. He has 30 years’ experience in helping customers manage financial risks. His main goal at the bank is to design and deliver foreign exchange risk management solutions to customers with international exposures. Before joining WSFS, JC worked for several international banks, first in Europe (London, Paris and Madrid), and later in New York City. He also teaches risk management and international finance at several US universities.
JC holds a master’s degree in international economics from Sciences-Po in Paris, an Executive MBA from the London Business School, and a master’s degree in extension studies from Harvard University.
Ken Grant
Senior Director, Public Affairs & Advocacy - Convergence Public Affairs, LLC.
Ken Grant has more than 30 years of experience in media, government relations, and marketing, as well as several experiences with trade missions to Brazil, UAE, India, China, Japan, and South Korea. He's been named as a Small Business Media Advocate by the Small Business Administration, an Entrepreneurial Advocate by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, and the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council has named him the recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award. Ken is an active member of the Rotary Club of Wilmington and was part of the committee that organized a fundraising effort to provide nearly $300,000 in humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
Ken and his wife, Kristin, live in Newark, where Kristin tutors international students through the University of Delaware's English Language Institute.
Senior Director, Public Affairs & Advocacy - Convergence Public Affairs, LLC.
Ken Grant has more than 30 years of experience in media, government relations, and marketing, as well as several experiences with trade missions to Brazil, UAE, India, China, Japan, and South Korea. He's been named as a Small Business Media Advocate by the Small Business Administration, an Entrepreneurial Advocate by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, and the Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council has named him the recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award. Ken is an active member of the Rotary Club of Wilmington and was part of the committee that organized a fundraising effort to provide nearly $300,000 in humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine.
Ken and his wife, Kristin, live in Newark, where Kristin tutors international students through the University of Delaware's English Language Institute.
Bayard Hogans
President of Enstructure Mid-Atlantic, Port Wilmington
As President of Enstructure Mid-Atlantic, Bayard is responsible for overseeing operations and commercial activities across Enstructure’s Mid-Atlantic businesses, including Port Wilmington, Port Contractors (PCI) in Wilmington, DE, and Fairless Hills, PA, and Intercontinental Services (ICS) in Wilmington, DE.
Bayard brings over 25 years of experience in marine terminals, transportation, and supply chain logistics. Before joining Enstructure, Bayard served as Vice President for Ports America Chesapeake, where he was responsible for all Ports America’s container, auto/RORO, and breakbulk operational and commercial activities in the Port of Baltimore, including Ports America’s 50-year public-private partnership lease and concession agreement for Seagirt Marine Terminal. Under Bayard’s leadership, operations were recognized for industry-leading safety and productivity. He delivered over $500 million in capital projects and successfully partnered on $100 million in grants. These projects include berth and terminal development, sustainability, electrification, and rail improvements, allowing Seagirt Marine Terminal to attract the largest container vessels on the East Coast to the Port of Baltimore. Bayard has a proven track record of fostering partnerships and building strong relationships with public-private stakeholders, supply chain partners, and local communities in promoting economic growth and regional development.
President of Enstructure Mid-Atlantic, Port Wilmington
As President of Enstructure Mid-Atlantic, Bayard is responsible for overseeing operations and commercial activities across Enstructure’s Mid-Atlantic businesses, including Port Wilmington, Port Contractors (PCI) in Wilmington, DE, and Fairless Hills, PA, and Intercontinental Services (ICS) in Wilmington, DE.
Bayard brings over 25 years of experience in marine terminals, transportation, and supply chain logistics. Before joining Enstructure, Bayard served as Vice President for Ports America Chesapeake, where he was responsible for all Ports America’s container, auto/RORO, and breakbulk operational and commercial activities in the Port of Baltimore, including Ports America’s 50-year public-private partnership lease and concession agreement for Seagirt Marine Terminal. Under Bayard’s leadership, operations were recognized for industry-leading safety and productivity. He delivered over $500 million in capital projects and successfully partnered on $100 million in grants. These projects include berth and terminal development, sustainability, electrification, and rail improvements, allowing Seagirt Marine Terminal to attract the largest container vessels on the East Coast to the Port of Baltimore. Bayard has a proven track record of fostering partnerships and building strong relationships with public-private stakeholders, supply chain partners, and local communities in promoting economic growth and regional development.
George E. Kearns - Acting Chair
Chairman & CEO – MCC Worldwide
Mr Kearns’ experience includes trans-national political, business, and security issues at the highest levels. His exceptional versatility ranges from creative strategizing to implementation and operations. Examples of Mr Kearns range of international and domestic experience include Chairman and CEO of MCC Worldwide, C-MCC Development Group facilitating multi-commodity free trade centers, in countries such as Curaçao, Botswana and the Bahamas, seven years as an official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin, and member and former Chairman of International and Economic Development for SMART States, an organization comprised of four United States Mid-Atlantic States, as well as their respective governor's offices, 39 U.S. Congressional members and 8 Senators. These examples as well as an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans illuminate 40-years of proven integrity, innovation and trust; the elements of a nexus of business, political, and cultural knowledge essential for conducting multi-national business in the private sector and advising foreign and US governments on economic and national security policies.
Chairman & CEO – MCC Worldwide
Mr Kearns’ experience includes trans-national political, business, and security issues at the highest levels. His exceptional versatility ranges from creative strategizing to implementation and operations. Examples of Mr Kearns range of international and domestic experience include Chairman and CEO of MCC Worldwide, C-MCC Development Group facilitating multi-commodity free trade centers, in countries such as Curaçao, Botswana and the Bahamas, seven years as an official advisor to the Honorable Amato Berardi, Italian Parliament Chamber of Deputies, on International Relations, Economic Development & Trade Affairs matters affecting North America, Central America and the Caribbean Basin, and member and former Chairman of International and Economic Development for SMART States, an organization comprised of four United States Mid-Atlantic States, as well as their respective governor's offices, 39 U.S. Congressional members and 8 Senators. These examples as well as an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans illuminate 40-years of proven integrity, innovation and trust; the elements of a nexus of business, political, and cultural knowledge essential for conducting multi-national business in the private sector and advising foreign and US governments on economic and national security policies.
Ayanna Khan
Founder & President/CEO - Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce
Ayanna Khan is a visionary leader and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the economic empowerment and growth of the Black business community in Delaware. With a strong commitment to fostering economic inclusivity and promoting diversity in the business world, she serves as the esteemed president, and CEO of the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC).
Preceding her founding of the DEBCC, Ayanna’s background extended to finance, having worked for a major communication and technology Dow 30 company for 10 years before her launch of Khan Consulting LLC in 2015, a small business consulting firm. Throughout her career Ayanna gained invaluable experience and insights into the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses. Read more!
Founder & President/CEO - Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce
Ayanna Khan is a visionary leader and entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to the economic empowerment and growth of the Black business community in Delaware. With a strong commitment to fostering economic inclusivity and promoting diversity in the business world, she serves as the esteemed president, and CEO of the Delaware Black Chamber of Commerce (DEBCC).
Preceding her founding of the DEBCC, Ayanna’s background extended to finance, having worked for a major communication and technology Dow 30 company for 10 years before her launch of Khan Consulting LLC in 2015, a small business consulting firm. Throughout her career Ayanna gained invaluable experience and insights into the challenges faced by Black-owned businesses. Read more!
David Máthé
Regional Business Manager - Division of Small Business
David Máthé is a seasoned export trade promotion professional with more than 25 years of export trade experience with the State of Delaware where he proactively assisted small and medium sized Delaware businesses develop export markets and expand global export volumes. He has organized and led trade missions around the world assisting Delaware exporters enter new markets. He currently serves as Regional Business Manager on the domestic economic development team, where he manages a portfolio of business retention projects. He also serves as Special Advisor for International Relations to the Delaware Secretary of State and manages Delaware’s Sister State relationships in Japan and India. David is Past President of SIDO, the national organization under the umbrella of the Council of State Governments of state trade directors; a former member of the Mid Atlantic District Export Council; former chair of the Eastern Trade Council, a marketing initiative among the 10 Northeastern US states and was the 2012 Class President of the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Leadership Academy.
Regional Business Manager - Division of Small Business
David Máthé is a seasoned export trade promotion professional with more than 25 years of export trade experience with the State of Delaware where he proactively assisted small and medium sized Delaware businesses develop export markets and expand global export volumes. He has organized and led trade missions around the world assisting Delaware exporters enter new markets. He currently serves as Regional Business Manager on the domestic economic development team, where he manages a portfolio of business retention projects. He also serves as Special Advisor for International Relations to the Delaware Secretary of State and manages Delaware’s Sister State relationships in Japan and India. David is Past President of SIDO, the national organization under the umbrella of the Council of State Governments of state trade directors; a former member of the Mid Atlantic District Export Council; former chair of the Eastern Trade Council, a marketing initiative among the 10 Northeastern US states and was the 2012 Class President of the Council of State Governments’ Eastern Leadership Academy.
Anabel Panayotti
President / CEO - Port to Port International Corp.
ANABEL Panayotti is the founder of Port to Port International Corp., an award winning NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operation Common Carrier), International Freight Forwarder and Terminal Operator specializing in the export and ocean transport of vehicles, trucks, construction and forestry equipment and containerized cargoes to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and other worldwide markets.
Founded in 1998 as a Delaware corporation, Port to Port International is now one of the nation’s largest shippers of used vehicles and a growing shipper of new and used construction machinery to Central America.
Since 1998 she has led the expansion of the company through Strategic Planning and Logistics, Management, Sales, Accounting, Vessel Chartering and Development of New Markets. Read more!
President / CEO - Port to Port International Corp.
ANABEL Panayotti is the founder of Port to Port International Corp., an award winning NVOCC (Non-Vessel Operation Common Carrier), International Freight Forwarder and Terminal Operator specializing in the export and ocean transport of vehicles, trucks, construction and forestry equipment and containerized cargoes to Central and South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Asia and other worldwide markets.
Founded in 1998 as a Delaware corporation, Port to Port International is now one of the nation’s largest shippers of used vehicles and a growing shipper of new and used construction machinery to Central America.
Since 1998 she has led the expansion of the company through Strategic Planning and Logistics, Management, Sales, Accounting, Vessel Chartering and Development of New Markets. Read more!
Rafael X. Zahralddin - Secretary
Partner - Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
Rafael X. Zahralddin-Aravena is a partner in the Wilmington office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Corporate, Bankruptcy, Complex Business & Commercial Litigation, Digital Asset, and Ukraine Conflict Response Practices. He is a skilled business lawyer and litigator with significant experience advising clients in corporate and commercial litigation, insolvency, distressed M&A, compliance, corporate law and entity formation, corporate governance, commercial transactions, cyber law, regulatory actions, and cross-border issues.
Rafael represents clients in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring and has extensive experience in international commercial law issues, including cross-border insolvency, federal bankruptcy court matters, assignments for the benefits of creditors, and receiverships. Rafael’s international law experience, particularly in international commercial transactions, brings a unique and nuanced approach to business issues both inside and outside of distressed situations. Read more!
Partner - Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
Rafael X. Zahralddin-Aravena is a partner in the Wilmington office of Lewis Brisbois and a member of the Corporate, Bankruptcy, Complex Business & Commercial Litigation, Digital Asset, and Ukraine Conflict Response Practices. He is a skilled business lawyer and litigator with significant experience advising clients in corporate and commercial litigation, insolvency, distressed M&A, compliance, corporate law and entity formation, corporate governance, commercial transactions, cyber law, regulatory actions, and cross-border issues.
Rafael represents clients in all aspects of bankruptcy and restructuring and has extensive experience in international commercial law issues, including cross-border insolvency, federal bankruptcy court matters, assignments for the benefits of creditors, and receiverships. Rafael’s international law experience, particularly in international commercial transactions, brings a unique and nuanced approach to business issues both inside and outside of distressed situations. Read more!
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