About us > Meet our team
Sam Kaplan
Director of the Center of Excellence for Global Trade and Supply Chain Management
Sam is the director of the Center of Excellence for Global Trade and Supply Chain Management, which connects industry and education in Washington around workforce development issues. The Center maintains data on the industry, including how many jobs, where they’re located and the average wage; organizes a Follow the Supply Chain Study Abroad program; and has worked with colleges around the state on global trade and logistics curriculum. The Center’s website includes a jobs dashboard where students and others can find detailed information on global trade and supply chain jobs, what kind of education is needed for the jobs and soon a list of job openings. The Center collaborates on developing mentorship programs, including and especially with the Transportation Club of Seattle, between colleges and business organizations.
Sam also publishes the weekly newsletter, International Need to Know and wrote a book about China and America—Challenging China: Smart Strategies for Dealing with China in the Xi Jinping Era - that was published by Tuttle Publishing on April 6, 2021.
In 20 years at the Trade Development Alliance of Greater Seattle, the last five as president, Sam was engaged in promoting, connecting and educating the Greater Seattle region internationally for trade and business. Previously Sam worked as a legislative assistant handling foreign affairs and trade issues for now retired U.S. Representative John Miller. Representative Miller served on the Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on International Trade.
Bermingham, Kaitlin
Program Specialist of the Center of Excellence for Global Trade and Supply Chain Management
Kaitlin serves as a trusted advisor, principal aide, and logistics manager to the Director of the Center of Excellence for Global Trade and Supply Chain Management. She works alongside the Center Director to craft and develop program initiatives; conduct market research and data analytics; oversee ongoing statewide projects; and organizes conferences, summits, and workshops across Washington State. She plays an instrumental role in key program endeavors including the Follow the Supply Chain Study Abroad Program and the Mentorship program with the Transportation Club of Seattle. She has over a decade of experience working in higher education and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Supply Chain Management from Central Washington University. She has previously served on national and regional boards including the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, The Association for Supply Chain Management, and the Warehouse Education and Research Council. In her spare time, Kaitlin enjoys a variety of outdoor sports and foraging moral mushrooms with her daughter.
