Sepulveda appointed Border Trade Alliance’s incoming board chairman 

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Pete Sepulveda, Jr., Cameron County administrator and Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority executive director, has been appointed chairman of the Border Trade Alliance.

Kenia Zamarripa, vice president of international and public affairs for the San Diego Regional Chamber, has been appointed vice chairman of the BTA.

Both officers assume their roles at the beginning of 2025.

The BTA was formed in 1986 as a forum for discussion and advocacy on issues pertaining to border development, quality of life and trade in the Americas. It comprises public and private sector representatives from the United States, Mexico and Canada. Its core values include a commitment to improving the quality of life of border communities through trade and commerce. 

Sepulveda will take over from Lance Jungmeyer, the president of the Nogales, Ariz.-based Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, whose term as chair of BTA is concluding. Jungmeyer will remain a member of the BTA’s executive committee.

Kenia Zamarripa, vice president of international and public affairs for the San Diego Regional Chamber.

“The BTA was extremely fortunate to have had Lance Jungmeyer in a leadership role these past two years,” BTA President Britton Mullen said. “Lance guided our organization through state-level trade disruptions, migrant surges, and the post-pandemic restoration of service at our ports of entry. He was incredibly generous with his time and remains a fierce advocate for the promise of cross-border trade and commerce. We are just as fortunate to welcome Pete Sepulveda as our next chairman and Kenia Zamarripa as our vice chair, both of whom enjoy tremendous respect throughout the public and private sectors of the border region. The BTA won’t miss a beat.”

Mullen said Sepulveda brings with him a deep knowledge of cross-border trade and commerce, having overseen the permitting and construction of five international bridges between the United States and Mexico, including the first international rail bridge between the U.S. and Mexico in more than 100 years, and three Donation Acceptance Program projects in Cameron County.

“I am honored to be selected by my fellow board members to be the next chairman of the Border Trade Alliance. North American cross-border relations are top of mind for policymakers as new administrations get underway in the U.S. and Mexico and as Canada preps for elections next year. I hope to bring to the position a practical understanding of what our borders require to be economically competitive and secure,” Sepulveda said. “The BTA looks forward to working with leaders in all three countries as we anticipate the first formal review of USMCA and a vigorous debate on tariffs and border security in the year ahead. I believe the BTA is well positioned to strengthen its influence on Capitol Hill and beyond.”

Mullen said of Zamarripa: “Kenia is an outstanding leader and advocate for our borders. The San Diego Regional Chamber has a sterling reputation in Washington, D.C. and in Mexico City thanks in no small part to her contributions on both sides of the border. Our board of directors is excited for Kenia to take on this new role with the BTA and we will no doubt depend on her insight in the months ahead.” 

The main officers of the Border Trade Alliance from 2025 will be: 

• Chairman: Pete Sepulveda, County Administrator, Cameron County, Texas; Executive Director, Cameron County Regional Mobility Authority

• Vice Chair: Kenia Zamarripa, Vice President of International and Public Affairs, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Secretary: Jon Barela, CEO, Borderplex Alliance

• Treasurer: Hector Cerna, President and CEO, IBC Bank-Eagle Pass

• Immediate Past Chairman: Lance Jungmeyer, President, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas

“The BTA appreciates the willingness of Jon Barela and Hector Cerna to lend their insight and expertise on border affairs to the board of directors,” Mullen said. “I know we can count on them to help solidify the BTA’s reputation as the most trusted source for policymakers on the many issues facing the border.”

Editor’s Note: Click here to learn more about the Border Trade Alliance.

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