U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently held a command ceremony to swear in Robert White as director of field operations (DFO) for CBP’s Chicago Field Office.
White replaces DFO William Ferrara, who recently transferred to CBP’s Boston Field Office.
From 2015 to 2016, White served as assistant director, field operations where he managed trade enforcement and facilitation operations. He had also previously served as the CBP Attaché to Hong Kong, advising the U.S. ambassador on CBP programs and abilities and overseeing programs operating within the Hong Kong region.
“This is a great accomplishment not only for you and your family but for our organization and our stakeholders and the very deserving men and women of the Chicago Field Office,” Ferrara said. “The Office of Field Operations and the Chicago Field Office is fortunate to have such an exceptional leader.”
White will now be responsible for CBP operations throughout most of the Midwest, including Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota and Pennsylvania.
Significant operations in the field office include Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, a large foreign mail unit in Chicago, cargo vessel operations in Cleveland, along with a large truck and rail operation throughout the region.
The Chicago office has also recently implemented technology initiatives throughout its region, including the addition of automated passport kiosks in the United States and the development of the One Stop program. Further, the office recently expanded global entry to all of its area ports.
“To our partners, private sector, public service, community and elected representatives, you are critical to our success,” White said. “We could not do our job without your support. I welcome your thoughts and ideas on how we can partner more in the future.”