Lisa Gelsomino Sr. Advisor and Former President & CEO AVALON RISK MANAGEMENT
With over 30 years of industry experience, Lisa acts as Senior Advisor at Avalon Risk Management (Avalon), a leading provider of customs bonds and insurance solutions for the international trade and logistics industry. Lisa was a founding partner of Avalon opening their New York office in 1998, promoted to Executive Vice President in 2001, and led the company as President/CEO for 13 years from 2008 through July 2021. Under her leadership, Avalon was Commercial Agency of the Year, Best Places to Work in Insurance for ten years in a row, and Shining Star for excellence and community service.
Lisa brings strong leadership skills and knowledge to the trade. In April 2015, she was appointed to the 14th and 15th terms of COAC. During her six year tenure on the COAC, Lisa was the Trade Co-Chair for the AD/CVD, Bond, Forced Labor, IPR, FTZ and Pipeline Working Groups. She also served as the Trade Co-Chair for the COAC, Trade Co-Chair for the Trade Enforcement and Revenue Collection/Intelligent Enforcement Subcommittee, and served on the Next Generation, Secure Trade Lanes, and Rapid Response Subcommittees.
She continues to serve on several working groups as well as the 21st Century Customs Framework Task Force and Working Group. Lisa also serves on the Trade Leadership Council (TLC) for the Trade Support Network (TSN), the NCBFAA ISF Subcommittee, and is a Board Member of the International Trade Surety Association (ITSA), which works closely with CBP through the Customs Surety Coalition (CSC).
During her 30-year career in international trade, Lisa has held numerous positions in the insurance industry on both the agency and company side and was highlighted by the Journal of Commerce as one of 25 Successful Woman in International Trade.
When not consumed with her passion for international trade, Lisa loves spending time and traveling with her family. She is actively involved in giving back to the community through the Avalon Compassion Team (A.C.T.) which has supported several different charitable organizations including Play for Peace, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Feed My Starving Children, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, and several other causes.
Education Northern Illinois University, B.S. Magna Cum Laude Northwestern University J.L. Kellogg School of Management, M.B.A.