Our Leadership

David Burns is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science in political science. He served eight years in the United States Navy as a logistics officer, completing tours in San Diego, California; Sigonella, Italy; and Sydney, Australia. Burns joined the company in March 2007 as a participant in the Accelerated Development Program. His initial assignment was on the Global Logistics Engineering Team, followed by a transition into operations as the Account Manager for Lands’ End. Burns was instrumental in developing the MIQ Logistics retail and manufacturing industry vertical markets, which eventually evolved into the International Supply Chain (ISC) program. He was promoted to Chicago Branch Manager in 2012 while also managing the ISC team in North America. Since then, Burns has held positions with increasing responsibility, and as VP, he is currently responsible for overseeing all U.S. operations.

As Vice President of Business Development, USA, Kimberly Duca is responsible for the growth and development of new and existing clients in North America. Duca and her team of sales professionals across the United States work with Noatum Logistics’ colleagues around the globe to provide solutions to best suit our customers’ needs. She is based in Houston, TX, and has a background in oil and gas supply chain and heavy weight freight optimization. Prior to joining the company in 2008, Duca lived abroad while completing her dual international master’s degree, specializing in commercial diplomacy and executive leadership, including extended residency studies in Brazil, France, Peru and China. She earned a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University, as well as a Master de Management des Organisations, Institut d’Administration des Entreprises de Paris. Prior to completing her MBA, Duca worked for BAX Global in Atlanta, GA, which later became DB Schenker Worldwide. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs from the University of Georgia.

As Vice President of Corporate Compliance and Process, USA, Christine maintains compliance with all relevant government agencies and programs that regulate international trade (e.g., Customs & Border Protection, TSA, C-TPAT etc.) and has oversight of our Customs Brokerage Product.  Christine manages operational process and supports operations by evaluating, recommending, and implementing solutions to enhance operational effectiveness.    She has 25+ years’ experience in international logistics and Customs Brokerage.   Christine is a seasoned Licensed Customs Broker who has held multiple Branch Manager & Director Roles along with having served as the VP of Customs Compliance for multiple companies.   Christine has experience gaining and managing CTPAT certification, establishing Customs Brokerage divisions and international teams.   She has management experience in Freight Forwarding, Bonded Warehouse, Purchase Order Management, FMC & TSA Compliance, and system implementations.

As Finance Director, North America, Sara Schmitz is responsible for finance, accounting and treasury activities in the United States. After earning her master’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri – Columbia and receiving her CPA certification in 2001, Schmitz worked for the public accounting firms Andersen and PricewaterhouseCoopers. She held positions with YRC Worldwide in corporate accounting and Freightquote.com as Assistant Controller prior to joining the company in 2011.

As Director of International Supply Chain, North America, Steven Tse is responsible for the International Supply Chain product operations and overall development in North America. Tse joined the company in 2015 as International Supply Chain Manager – Western Region, with responsibility for managing the company’s top account on the west coast. Steven was promoted to Director of International Supply Chain in 2019. Tse has over 20 years of regional and global logistics and supply chain experience. Prior to joining the company, he was an international supply chain manager for DHL for 10 years and held positions of increasing responsibility in DHL operations. Tse earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting from Baruch College – The City University of New York.