Linda Mysliwy Conlin, President

Tel: 215-586-4240     E-mail:  lconlin@wtcphila.org
As president, Linda Conlin oversees the day-to-day operation and program development of the World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia (WTCGP).  In this capacity, she is responsible for establishing and executing key goals, objectives and strategies for the WTCGP.  Linda most recently served as vice chair and a member of the Board of Directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States where she led efforts to expand financing to U.S. exporters, including small and medium-sized businesses, predominantly in emerging markets, through direct loan, loan guarantee, and export credit insurance programs.  With over 25 years experience in international trade, trade finance and public policy, Linda’s career includes serving as assistant secretary for trade development with the U.S. Department of Commerce and as executive director in New Jersey’s Commerce and Economic Growth Commission from 1994 to 1999.  She also held positions at the U.S. Travel and Tourism Administration, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Information Agency.  A graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in French and Russian studies, Linda began her earlier career owning and operating a successful small family business in Western Massachusetts.

Bruce R. Pansius, Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 215-586-4245     E-mail:  bpansius@wtcphila.org
Bruce Pansius is responsible for all the accounting, finance, legal, IT and administrative functions of the WTCGP. Prior to joining the organization, Bruce established and ran a pleasure boat manufacturing company, Jersey Marine Industries, which he sold in 2004. Previously, he spent almost ten years at the Campbell Soup Company where he held positions in corporate audit, treasury, and international finance. Mr. Pansius earned a Master in International Business Studies from the University of South Carolina. and a B.A. in Business and Political Science from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He has extensive work experience in Latin America and speaks Spanish.

Dino Ramos, Chief Operating Officer

Tel: 215-586-4246     E-mail: dramos@wtcphila.org      
Dino Ramos oversees implementation of such programs as Latin American Trade Development Program, Developing International Opportunities for Industry Clusters, and International Design and Engineering Consortium. Dino has over 25 years experience in international trade management. As Export Sales Manager for the Hunt Corporation, Dino was responsible for sales and marketing in over 50 countries. His long tenure at Hunt included managing European sales, export sales forecasting, international sales and operational planning, export administration and international marketing and marketing services. Prior to Hunt, Dino spent five years working in Singapore as Far East Sales Manager for King Press and another five-year stint in Vietnam and Thailand for the U.S. General Accounting Office. Dino holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from East Tennessee State University. He is familiar with Greek and French and has some understanding of Chinese, Arabic, Thai and Vietnamese.

Andrea Townrow , Manager - Business Development

Tel: 215-586-4240 (ext. 123)      E-mail: atownrow@wtcphila.org      
Andrea Townrow is charged with all aspects of the development and execution of the WTCGP's marketing and development plans, in addition to managing the organzation's very successful Latin America program. Andrea brings to the WTCGP extensive international business experience developing distributor networks for small to medium-sized manufacturers. Andrea has lived and worked in The Netherlands and Switzerland, where she worked as an international sales manager for National Seal Company, a geotechnical products manufacturer. Returning to the U.S., she was appointed international sales manager for Latin America, working on large scale mining projects. Andrea also worked as an international sales manager for Fendall Company, opening new markets worldwide for this safety products manufacturer. Andrea holds a B.A. in both International Business and in French from Rosary College and an M.B.A from DePaul University. Andrea is fluent in French and Spanish.

Ron Drozd, Manager - Export Services

Tel: 215-586-4240 (ext. 122)      E-mail: rdrozd@wtcphila.org     
Ron Drozd is the Regional Export Network Coordinator for the Office of International Business Development of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development. He also provides trade services to companies in Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties. Ron holds an M.B.A. in International Business from Georgetown University and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska in Agricultural Economics, Political Science and Asian Studies. Ron lived and worked in Nagoya, Japan, and attended Nanzan University, where he became fluent in Japanese. Upon returning to the U.S., he worked as Assistant Treasurer for Fuji Bank's regional headquarters in New York and as Assistant Vice President for Citibank. Later, he joined Easylink Services as Country Manager for Japan where he applied his knowledge of marketing, finance, international business and the Japanese market to the e-commerce industry. Ron also launched his own consulting firm and has developed customized international trade strategies and implemented specific trade programs for a variety of clients.

Dale Foote, International Trade Specialist

Tel: 215-586-4240 (ext. 117)      E-mail: dfoote@wtcphila.org      
Dale Foote is the international trade specialist for Bucks and Philadelphia Counties. In addition, he is responsible for establishing an import development program. Dale has over 25 years of experience with import/export sales and the marketing of technical products and services. He was formerly the President of Pegasus International Corporation. Dale is a graduate of Wittenberg University and is proficient in German. He and his wife adopted their two children from Brazil over ten years ago.

Emily Olson, Office Manager

Tel: 215-586-4240 (ext. 124)      E-mail:  eolson@wtcphila.org

Emily Olson plays a critical role in the organization, ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. In addition to providing administrative support to WTCGP staff members, Emily coordinates logistics for WTCGP’s events and seminars. Emily has extensive experience in these areas. Prior to joining the WTCGP, she worked as a group sales associate at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and as a teacher and family life coordinator at the Parent-Infant Center in Philadelphia, PA. Emily holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Recreation Management from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, Emily also completed a certificate program in Professional Meeting Planning from Temple University. In her spare time, Emily enjoys exploring ethnic restaurants in Philadelphia with her friends.

Jessica Lepson , Trade Development Assistant

Tel: 215-586-4240 (ext. 118)      E-mail:  jlepson@wtcphila.org

Jessica's position comprises numerous responsibilities, including heading market research efforts requested by our members and maintaining and enhancing the WTCGP’s extensive member services. In addition, Jessica manages the WTCGP’s prominent internship program. Jessica has extensive experience in both primary and secondary market and marketing research, on both the domestic and international levels.  Formerly, she served as Head of Field Service, Customer Liaison and Research Analyst for Polk-Lepson Research Group, located in York, Pennsylvania, where she worked with companies and organizations from a multitude of industries.  Additionally, Jessica worked for St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA as a Research Assistant, where she assisted in developing and executing several research initiatives. She is a magna cum laude graduate of McDaniel College, Westminster, MD from which she holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Studio Art and Communication.  In addition, she has a M.S. in International Marketing from St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA.