Cortney Hawkins
Fairburn
Summary
Experienced CBP Agriculture Specialist with more than 10 years of experience supporting passenger clearance, cargo operations, agricultural inspections, and regulatory enforcement in airport and cargo environments. Strong background leading daily operations, training employees, and ensuring compliance with CBP and USDA policies and procedures. Experienced in supervising shift activities, reviewing high-risk cargo and passenger movements, and coordinating with federal agencies, airlines, brokers, and port partners to support safe and efficient operations. Skilled in providing guidance to staff, resolving operational issues, enforcing agricultural regulations, and balancing enforcement priorities while minimizing delays to legitimate trade and travel.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
CBP Agriculture Specialist
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
08.2015 - Current
- Lead and oversee agricultural compliance operations involving passenger clearance, cargo inspections, and aircraft examinations.
- Supervise and mentor employees by providing guidance on agricultural regulations, inspection techniques, and operational procedures.
- Coordinate daily staffing schedules, overtime approvals, and operational assignments in high-traffic environments.
- Conduct secondary inspections and examinations to identify prohibited agricultural items, pests, and contaminants.
- Perform inspections of commercial cargo, bonded warehouses, and passenger baggage to ensure compliance with federal regulations.
- Serve as Regulatory Garbage Lead by conducting site visits and facility inspections to ensure USDA compliance agreements are followed.
- Inspect facilities under compliance agreements including FBOs, military bases, caterers, and processing facilities.
- Collaborate with agencies such as USDA, CDC, FDA, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to support enforcement and compliance initiatives.
- Issue civil penalties and enforce regulations involving agricultural violations and prohibited commodities.
- Review manifests, airway bills, and import/export documentation to identify high-risk shipments and inconsistencies.
- Maintain accountability and control of contraband and quarantine materials in accordance with agency policies.
- Train new employees on passenger clearance procedures, cargo operations, safety practices, and regulatory compliance.
- Resolve conflicts involving passengers, importers, airline staff, and employees while maintaining professionalism and operational efficiency.
- Monitor aircraft cleaning and catering crews to ensure compliance with agricultural handling procedures and timely operations.
- Document inspections, aircraft boardings, and compliance activities within agency databases and automated systems.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SCSkills
- Supervisory Leadership
- Agricultural Compliance & Enforcement
- Staff Training & Mentorship
- Operational Planning & Scheduling
- Cargo & Passenger Inspections
- Regulatory Compliance Agreements
- Risk Assessment & Threat Identification
- Conflict Resolution
- Interagency Coordination
- Automated Systems: TECS, SEACATS, ACE, ATS
Timeline
CBP Agriculture Specialist
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
08.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Biology
South Carolina State University
Leadership Highlights
- Demonstrated leadership in supervising medium-sized teams and coordinating daily operational activities.
- Recognized for strong decision-making abilities in high-pressure operational environments.
- Provided training and mentorship to newly assigned agriculture specialists and staff members.
- Improved operational efficiency through effective communication, scheduling coordination, and compliance oversight.
Additional Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of USDA, CBP, and international agricultural regulations.
- Experience evaluating threats related to agriculture, trade compliance, and national security.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with government agencies and private stakeholders.
- Ability to lead teams, manage workloads, and maintain operational accountability.