The Vandegrift team is an impressive group of industry professionals with backgrounds as diverse as the industries we serve. From business development to technology, from compliance to operations, our clients work directly with the people involved in handling their business.
Vandegrift was founded on the premise that our clients and potential clients should be able to talk with the individuals who will represent them.
Mitch Scher
CEO
Vandegrift’s CEO, Mitch Scher is a licensed customs broker with over 25 years of industry experience. He is an attorney and a member of the California and New York Bars. Prior to succeeding his father as Vandegrift’s owner, Mitch practiced International Trade & Customs Law and has performed extensive legal work on behalf of his retail clients.
Mark Zeitlin
President
Mark Zeitlin is Vandegrift’s President, overseeing North America. Mark is a retail and Customs industry thought leader with more than 30 years in customs brokerage and government agency interaction, and takes a hands-on, technology-minded approach to serving clients’ needs. He is a licensed customs broker and Certified Customs Specialist (CSS)
Melinda Damico
Executive Vice President
Melinda brings over 28 years of experience in various leadership roles in the customs brokerage and supply chain logistics business. She is a licensed broker since 1990 and is Certified Custom Specialist (CCS). Melinda has been responsible for managing client services throughout her career.
Vito Sicilia
Chief Financial Officer
Vito has a highly accomplished track record with 30 years of knowledge and experience in progressive finance and operations management, including 12 years spent in the customs brokerage and freight forwarding industry. His leadership in designing and executing high level strategic initiatives has benefited companies like Vandegrift and he is an integral part of our future growth and corporate development.
Joe Hajduk
Vice President of Operations
Joe Hajduk has been in the brokerage business for 35 years. He has been involved in all aspects of the brokerage business during his career at Vandegrift and has held positions covering operations, coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, drawback, and technology. Based upon his experience, expertise, and background he is perfectly positioned to bridge between Vandegrift clients and all levels of the operation.
Melissa Fox
Vice President of Trade Solutions and Corporate Communications
Melissa Fox has been involved in various facets of customs brokerage and regulatory trade compliance for over 25 years. Her diverse background allows her to take on many different challenges specifically related to the development of authentic client solutions and realistic operating procedures. Melissa is a licensed customs broker and also handles Vandegrift’s corporate communications responsibilities.
Josh Kohn
Senior Director of Information Systems
For over a decade, Josh Kohn has been bringing clients and their data together to provide superior visibility and analytics. As Senior Director of Information Systems, his insight, clarity of purpose, and problem solving guides the company forward in creating a unique and highly adaptable product in the Customs brokerage industry.
Michael McCullough
Director of Corporate Compliance
Michael is Vandegrift’s Director of Corporate Compliance. He has over 25 years in the area of U.S. Customs and Partner Government Agency compliance. He leads the Vandegrift Compliance Team which provides support for clients and the customs brokerage operation. He is a licensed customs broker and is a Certified Customs Specialist (CCS).
Michael Spano
Director of Logistics
Michael Spano is Director of Logistics at Vandegrift. Michael is responsible for the NVOCC operations of the organization which include strategic initiatives, contract negotiations and partner/agent relationships. Michael has 25 years experience in international transportation and logistics. Michael is a devoted professional with a passion for developing relationships and understanding solutions to fulfill customers needs.
Dana Hartmann
Director of Talent Management and Company Culture
Dana brings over 15 years of management experience in the customs brokerage and supply chain logistics industry. She has managed various aspects of the business and has a wide range of operational experience. Dana’s background in human resources combined with her industry knowledge and management skills has helped evolve Vandegrift's company culture and advance its hiring practices.