Tariffs, Trade, & What’s at Stake

At a time of shifting trade dynamics and increasing economic uncertainty, understanding the implications of these policies is critical for businesses, policymakers, and communities alike.

Tariffs, Trade, & What’s at Stake brings together experts in international trade law and industry leaders for a timely discussion on the current and future impacts of tariff and trade policy.

As part of the World Affairs Council's Civic Futures series, this program explores global perspectives and local communities to examine the forces shaping national priorities, international relationships, and local economies.

What to expect:

• Gain a clear overview of current tariff structures, trade regulations, and policy developments
• Hear perspectives from legal and industry experts navigating global trade in real time
• Explore how trade policy decisions affect regional industries and supply chains
• Understand the implications for businesses operating in an increasingly complex global market
• Engage directly with speakers during a moderated discussion and audience Q&A

Arrive at 6:00 PM for networking and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. The speaking program begins at 7:00 PM with a policy briefing, followed by a panel discussion.

Policy Briefing

Susanne Cook is a Shareholder at Dentons and Chair of the firm’s International Business and Trade Team. She advises companies on U.S. export controls, customs matters, and evolving trade sanctions, as well as international transactions and corporate governance. Recognized by Best Lawyers in America and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers, she was recently named “Lawyer of the Year” in International Trade and Finance Law in Pittsburgh.

Panel Discussion

Brandon Friez joined American Eagle Outfitters Inc. (AEO) in 2001 and has more than 25 years of leadership experience across multiple business areas, including Merchandise Planning, E-commerce/Technology, Financial Planning & Analysis and Supply Chain Management. Currently, Brandon serves as Senior Vice President of Global Logistics & Supply Chain Intelligence and is a member of AEO’s Executive Leadership Team. In his role, Brandon oversees Global Inbound and Outbound Operations, International Supply Chain, Supply Chain Planning & Optimization and Supply Chain Strategy. Leveraging his deep retail expertise, he focuses on unlocking strategic opportunities across AEO’s supply chain and serves as a vital resource for global partners. Brandon holds a degree in finance from the University of Pittsburgh as well as a MBA from Robert Morris University.

Charles W. Watson, LCB, CCS is President of R.L. Swearer Company, a customs brokerage and freight forwarding firm specializing in international trade solutions. With deep expertise in import/export compliance and logistics, he helps businesses remain competitive and compliant in today’s global economy.

Mike Zerega is Director of Global Strategic Sourcing for Komatsu Mining Technologies, where he oversees sourcing strategy across a multi-billion-dollar global operation. With experience spanning manufacturing, energy, and supply chain management, he brings a practical perspective on how trade policy impacts global operations and procurement.

Moderator Marie Batz Martin is an accomplished global legal and compliance executive with more than 20 years of experience advising multinational companies on international trade, regulatory risk, corporate governance, compliance, privacy, export controls, and complex commercial transactions. Her career spans leadership roles with major global organizations including Coherent, FlightSafety International, Alcoa, Arconic, and Goldman Sachs. Most recently, she served as Global Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer for Coherent, where she led the company’s global trade compliance, ethics and corporate compliance, privacy, and export control functions across more than 40 countries in a highly regulated technology environment involving semiconductors, advanced materials, and emerging national security issues. Marie has significant international experience, including leading and closing major cross-border transactions in places such as Beijing, Moscow, and Australia, and is widely recognized for helping companies navigate the intersection of global business, geopolitics, tariffs, trade policy, and compliance risk.

This event is presented by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh in partnership with Western Pennsylvania District Export Council, Performance Review Institute, the German American Chamber of Commerce® Pittsburgh Chapter, and Business France.

About the Civic Futures Series

Civic Futures is a yearlong series exploring how democratic societies endure in a time of global pressure and domestic division. Through global perspectives and local dialogue, the series brings together experts and community members to examine the forces shaping democracy and the role we all play in sustaining it.