Page 8 - Port of Baltimore Magazine January/February 2016

[6] The Port of Baltimore ■ January/February 2017
The Happenings In and Around The Port — Send us your news for a possible item in the Soundings section in the Port of Baltimore Magazine. Email todd.karpovich@todaymediacustom.com.
NEWSMAKERS
MPA ‘Woman of the Year’ Moves to Customs and Border Protection Post in D.C.
By Kathy Bergren Smith
After two tours in Baltimore, Augustine Moore, former Director
of Field Operations (DFO) at U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), has moved to a new post at CBP’s headquarters in Washington.
Her leadership was recognized earlier this year with a special sendoff from the Maryland Port Administration (MPA), where she was presented with a souvenir ship’s wheel.
“Even though she had responsibilities for more than 800 employees across a five-state region, there were always resources and time allocated to advancing the Port of Baltimore’s needs,” said MPA Deputy Executive Director Dave Thomas. “We wish her fair winds and following seas during the next chapter of her career.”
Moore was named “Woman of
the Year” by the MPA in 2011 for her work with the Federal Agency Quality Workgroup (FAQWG). The Workgroup is a Port-wide initiative that brings together members of government agencies connected to Port operations.
She first came to Baltimore in 2007 as the Assistant Port Director for Trade Operations and returned in 2014 as the DFO. Even with more responsibilities, she continued her active engagement with the Port community.
Port of Baltimore magazine
caught up with Moore recently as she reflected on her time with CBP and the bonds she forged in Baltimore.
Q: How long have you served with the CBP? Did you have other interesting work experiences before you found your way to CBP?
Moore: I worked at McDonald’s as
a teenager, and prior to joining the government, I worked for United Parcel Service and served in the United States Naval Reserves [now the United States Navy Reserve]. For those who know me, my career path provides some insight on my passion for work and exploring new opportuni- ties. My entire professional career
has allowed me to challenge myself to be better and do better. I have always been fascinated with exploring new approaches to make things, or processes, more efficient and effec- tive. So CBP has truly been a good fit, but it started with McDonald’s with watching those VHS tapes on my 10-minute breaks on how everything fits perfectly, from how to fold a paper bag to keep food warm up to 10 minutes to UPS and mapping out my service route in order to make 20 customer visits in eight hours.
Q: In what ways do you see the work at CBP connecting to our everyday lives?
Moore: When I go grocery shopping and I see the mounds of fruits and vegetables on display, when I’m at the airport and made it from point
A to point B. I love the work we do to protect the homeland and, best
Augustine Moore.
of all, the partnerships we have
with the community. FAQWG has been an incredible anchor on how to conduct business and connect with the community. It also takes a good team. My colleagues and team from Washington Dulles, to Baltimore, to Philadelphia, believe in teamwork. If you don’t connect with your team, you will surely stumble.
Q: What is your new job and what are the responsibilities?
Moore: I’m currently detailed to
the Office of International Affairs in Washington, D.C. It’s giving me an opportunity to serve the agency in a different capacity.
Q: What will you miss about the Port of Baltimore?
Moore: Baltimore was my second home. I will miss the unique connection I had with my CBP
family, the camaraderie, the support, the unwavering team spirit. From Baltimore, Philadelphia to Washington Dulles, from airport to seaport, it all mattered. 􏰀