November 2026 GHPB Commerce Club Luncheon

Join the Greater Houston Port Bureau at the Commerce Club luncheon on Thursday, November 12, 2026, with guest speaker Christian Ford, DLA Piper.

Christian is Partner, Maritime Lead-Transportation Practice, with the firm and will speak to sanctions risks in the maritime industry.

Christian is a formidable advocate for maritime, energy, and industrial companies facing government investigations and regulatory scrutiny. Drawing on hands-on enforcement experience, he defends U.S. and global clients in high-stakes economic sanctions, export control, and anti-money laundering matters, helping them navigate complex legal waters.

Representative Sanctions and Maritime Experience includes:

• Served as the lead prosecutor in the seizure and forfeiture of a North Korean cargo vessel suspected of sanctions violations.
• Coordinated with the United States Coast Guard and United States Navy on maritime sanctions enforcement.
• Led the prosecution of foreign nationals and foreign companies indicted for IEEPA, sanctions, and money laundering violations.
• Drafts sanctions and export control policies and procedures and advises clients on their implementation; briefs boards on compliance and investigative matters.
• Oversees voluntary disclosures to OFAC, BIS, and DOJ and conducts sanctions risk assessments of supply chains and counterparties.

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