Meet Our CITPs - V

Ricardo Valdez, CITP/FIBP

Executive Trade Commissioner with studies in Economics and Finance. Thirteen years of experience in trade promotion of Canadian exports of goods and services to Ecuador and the Latin American markets. Facilitator of CDIA having achieved important green field investments for several leading Canadian companies, particularly in the extractive sectors, and construction-concessions of important infrastructure projects, which include Project Financing. Worked for several years in Ecuador’s financing sector, with good knowledge of international trade financing. Is familiar with leading corporations in Ecuador and local market conditions. Capable to provide professional market advice and identify leading business opportunities. Masters Spanish, English and French. Focused on results, client orientation, leadership and direction abilities, good negotiation skills, adaptable to management changes, team work, good capacity to work under pressure.

With Interact Co. Ltd., Henry Van Boxtel has performed a variety of international trade work focused in Asia. Having been directly involved in business start-ups, joint ventures and trade consulting in India and China Mr. Van Boxtel lends first-hand experience. The most recent on-site project involved setting up a representative office in Malaysia. Currently Mr. Van Boxtel is engaged in development work with an international NGO.

A Certified International Trade Professional with almost ten years experience moving goods around the globe; most of them United States, Canada, Asia, Europe and Latin America.  Fluent in Spanish and English.  A good understanding of the business trade cultures of South America, and knowledge acquired during her experience as an International Student in Canada.  Being confident of being able to play an important role within an established organization, demonstrating all the experience and capabilities in the international business environment.

Mario has over fifteen years of international business experience in a variety of roles including sales, marketing and business development. His experience and knowledge in telecommunications, aerospace, electronics, industrial electric systems construction, and electric power equipment has led to work with companies such as IBM, Siemens AG, Honeywell, Nettest, and Navtel Communications.

He has traveled extensively to conduct business in the US, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Mario holds a MBA in Economics from INCAE Business School, Costa Rica; as well as a BSc Electrical and Mechanical Engineering from University of San Carlos, Guatemala. He is also a graduate of the International Business Management Post-Graduate program from Sheridan College, Oakville, ON. Mario is fluent in English and Spanish and working level in Portuguese and French. He received his CITP designation in 2006.

Dale’s experience has taken him through the non-profit and for-profit worlds, private and public sectors, working with both international and domestic companies. Dale specializes in feasibility studies, project management, facilitation and business planning. His experience is drawn from multiple industries including: tourism, logistics, the arts, retail, hospitality, international trade and government. As such, Dale is very familiar with government proposal writing as he has collaborated on RFP’s (Request for Proposal) in Canada and PROFO’s (Postulación a Proyectos Asociativos de Fomento) in Chile.

Dale’s education started with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Manitoba, followed by a Post Graduate Diploma in International Business from Red River College and now certification in International Trade.

Nancy Vezina, CITP

Ms. Vezina has been working for Alcatel since 1992 and currently holds the position of Director, North American Customs Compliance, Transportation and Distribution. She has over 20 years import and export experience, including 14 years in international trade with Alcatel. She advises internal business leaders in all aspects of compliance, analyzes pertinent regulatory changes and the impact to Alcatel’s business. In addition, she monitors their evolving business practices to ensure continued compliance with worldwide regulations. She successfully completed the FITTskills program in 2001, at Carleton University School of Business in Ottawa and received her CITP in April 2001. 

Michael Virr, CITP

Michael G Virr CGA, CITP. I am a seasoned professional with 35 years of varied business experience in Canada, the United States, Sweden and other countries, in the service of the Government of Canada. As a member of Canada’s diplomatic corps and the Trade Commissioner Service, I worked extensively with businesses in the international marketplace.

I am a professional accountant and a member in good standing of the Certified General Accountants Association. As a member of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, I have extensive experience in connecting Canadian companies with foreign companies to generate business. I have assisted Canadian businesses in their effort to enter markets abroad. I have also sought out foreign companies to promote Canada as a preferred destination for their investment plans in North America. I have a good knowledge on how government works in Canada.

Ennio Vita-Finzi is often referred to as a "human energy source with no reverse gear" and his background includes careers in government, entertainment, manufacturing, martial arts, air transportation, banking and the services sector. He was the Ontario Government’s Director and Trade Commissioner of five business development offices in Europe, South America and the USA, he managed four start-up companies in Canada and Mexico and was also involved in NAFTA negotiations as President of the Canadian Council for the Americas. He founded an international consulting company in Toronto with clients on three Continents and currently heads a Business Development/Coaching firm in Montreal. He is a Sales Trainer and Keynote Speaker while also teaching FITT topics at two Montreal Colleges. A true "international", Ennio was born of Russian/Italian parents on a British ship enroute to Australia, was educated in Argentina, England and Canada, is fluent in five languages and has lived and/or worked in 20 different countries.

Yuliya Vodyanytska, CITP

Mrs. Vodyanytska is responsible for the Trade Research Program and member services at the World Trade Centre Atlantic Canada (WTCAC). Prior to moving to Canada and joining the WTCAC, she worked as an Assistant Professor at Kiev State Linguistics University and also as a translator. She holds a Master of Arts degree from the Kiev State Linguistic University (Ukraine). Mrs. Vodyanytska is a Certified Translator, and a member of the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia. She is fluent in Russian, English, and Ukrainian and also has a basic knowledge of French and Spanish. She received her CITP in 2004.