Robert Stackpole is a Supervisory international trade and management specialist with over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors of global commerce. As the Director of the U.S. Commercial Service’s Alabama office, he leads a team of trade professionals dedicated to helping Alabama businesses succeed in international markets. In this role, Stackpole oversees programs offering export Trade Counseling, Market Intelligence, Business Matchmaking, Advocacy and Commercial Diplomacy, and other trade and investment promotion services designed to increase foreign direct investment, U.S. exports, and American jobs. He guides companies through the U.S. Government’s global network of resources – that includes a network of trade and investment experts in 128 offices across more than 75 countries. He ensures even first-time exporters can navigate foreign markets and compete on a level playing field. Stackpole is known for leveraging public-private partnerships and innovative training tools to boost Alabama’s export performance. During his tenure, Alabama’s exports have grown significantly, reflecting the effectiveness of the trade promotion efforts under his leadership. He is a NASBITE-Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) and has completed over 500 hours of advanced training in international trade. Stackpole joined the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2008, bringing with him extensive industry experience, and has since dedicated his career to empowering local companies to expand globally.

Areas of Expertise:

• Export Promotion Strategy & Government Programs
• Trade Counseling & Market Entry Planning
• Market Research & Intelligence Gathering
• Business Matchmaking & International Partner Development
• Advocacy & Commercial Diplomacy on Trade Barriers
• International Trade Education & Training Programs

Professional Experience

Director & Senior International Trade Specialist – U.S. Commercial Service, U.S. Department of Commerce (Alabama Office) – 2008–Present

• Manages the International Trade Administration’s Alabama Export Assistance Center, providing one-on-one counseling and customized assistance to hundreds of companies across the state each year.
• Develops and implements statewide export promotion programs in coordination with federal, state, and local partners, resulting in numerous Alabama firms successfully entering new foreign markets.
• Advises businesses on export regulations, financing, and market entry strategies, and connects them with vetted overseas buyers and distributors through trade missions and global matchmaking services.
• Advocates on behalf of Alabama exporters to resolve foreign market challenges – from regulatory barriers to procurement issues – ensuring a fair opportunity for U.S. products and services abroad.
• Leverages private-sector best practices to improve client engagement and efficiency, introducing new tools and processes that have enhanced the office’s outreach and service delivery (e.g. streamlined client intake systems and export readiness assessment frameworks).
• Co-leads the Export Alabama Alliance, a coalition of state and federal agencies and trade organizations, to present a unified network of support for Alabama’s international business community.
• Previously served as the Global Team Leader for ITA’s Travel & Tourism industry team, coordinating nationwide export promotion strategies for the U.S. travel and tourism sector across international markets.

Earlier Experience: Prior to his federal service, Stackpole spent over a decade in the private sector holding various international trade and business development roles. He gained hands-on experience in global logistics, export sales, and cross-border operations – background that now informs his work helping companies navigate international challenges.

Leadership & Affiliations

• Chair, Alabama World Trade Association (AWTA) – Currently leads this statewide nonprofit organization in its mission to promote international trade education, networking, and outreach among Alabama businesses.
• Executive Secretary, Alabama District Export Council (DEC) – Serves as the U.S. Department of Commerce’s designated liaison to the Alabama DEC, a volunteer board of local business leaders who mentor and advise exporters. Honored as the National DEC “Executive Secretary of the Year” in 2021 for exemplary service and leadership.
• Co-Lead, Export Alabama Alliance – Coordinates with Alabama’s Export Alabama Alliance partners (state commerce department, trade associations, ports, etc.) to align resources and strategies that help local companies export and attract investment.
• Member, Trade Promotion Community – Active in numerous trade-focused groups and initiatives; frequently speaks at international trade seminars, World Trade Week events, and export workshops. For example, he has contributed thought leadership articles on trade.

Certifications

• Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) – NASBITE International, attained to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in international trade.
• Professional Training: 500+ hours of specialized training in export compliance, finance, marketing, and global business strategy through the U.S. Commercial Service and partner institutions.

(Stackpole’s full professional bio and references are available on request. He can be reached at Robert.Stackpole@trade.gov or 205-407-5399 for any further information.)