Two CEOs will allow for Maryland’s premier international business network to advance its growth trajectory as WTCI looks ahead to the future

The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI), Maryland’s premier international business network, has announced an organizational change that promoted Chief Innovation Officer https://www.wtci.org to co-CEO roles, effective November 2019.

After 19 years of strong leadership, Deborah Kielty, former CEO of WTCI, will be passing the baton to Eddie Resende and Susan Aplin to begin co-leadership of the organization. Kielty will remain involved with the organization as Executive Chair and CEO Advisor.

Kielty said, “It’s been an honor to serve this organization and help build it to where it is today. I look forward to continuing to serve in this new role and to remaining a part of WTCI’s future.”

Building upon the foundation that Kielty developed, Resende and Aplin will work to continue the organization’s momentum and reinforce WTCI’s mission to empower globally-minded leaders with new ideas and valuable connections through various programs and events.

Resende, former Chief Operating Officer, has been with WTCI for 12 years and brings a wealth of experience, institutional knowledge and expert business relationships to the position. He has held various management positions within the organization and possesses skills in leadership, finance, board management, and member relations. Prior to WTCI, Eddie worked at TESSCO Technologies, Inc. He recently completed his MBA at Georgetown University and currently sits on the board of Lutheran Immigration and Relief Services (LIRS).

"I’ve learned so much working alongside Deb these past 12 years, and it’s been exciting to see the organization grow to include new professional development programs, members, services and events…and this is just the beginning. Susan’s experience and entrepreneurial spirit will help WTCI grow even further. I couldn’t have asked for a better colleague.”

Aplin brings 30 years of business management experience to the CEO position, of which 10 years were served as CEO for various companies. Susan, formerly the Chief Innovation Officer, possesses strong senior management, leadership, organizational development, marketing and branding, board management, financial management, and business development skills. Susan previously held numerous management positions at top global brands, such as Williams-Sonoma, GAP, and Staples. She was also the co-founder and CEO of Bambeco, a sustainable home décor lifestyle brand. Susan currently serves on Corsica Ventures Board of Directors and formerly served on the Chesapeake Bay Foundation Board of Trustees and Summit Development Board of Directors.

“We believe it’s a great advantage to have two CEOs with different backgrounds,” said Aplin. “The main ingredient to make this work is that we have a strong relationship, incredible chemistry and mutual respect and trust for one another. We both love the organization, our team and the work that we do. We have a great vision for where we can take this organization and to do be able to do it with Eddie as a co-CEO is just amazing.”

The new organizational structure, with Eddie and Susan at the helm, will help WTCI to continue to reach new heights. “We have assembled the strongest team in WTCI history,” says Todd Ruppert, WTCI’s Chairman and Past President of T. Rowe Price Global Investment.

For 30 years, WTCI has been helping organizations – startups, top corporations, universities, and government agencies – build relationships, both personally and professionally, that profoundly change their business. The World Trade Center Institute’s 30th anniversary and State of the Ports event will take place on November 13, 2019 at the IMET. This will be the first public appearance for Resende and Aplin as Co-CEOs.

About WTCI

The World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) empowers globally minded leaders with new ideas and valuable connections. The largest international business networking organization in the Mid-Atlantic with more than 2,500 companies in the public and private sector, WTCI offers members development programs, professional exchanges and marquee events where ideas are expanded, and collaboration is created. Partnerships with state and local governments, 300+ World Trade Centers, the U.S. Department of State, Work Bank and more provide members unparalleled access to push and empower each other to succeed and connect in ways they never would have or could have imagined. For more information on the WTCI, visit https://www.wtci.org.