Dexter Salenda recently joined Ports of Indiana as foreign trade and economic development director.

The position was created to expand Ports of Indiana’s Foreign-Trade Zone program. In his new role, Salenda will assist companies dealing with challenges related to international trade and tariffs, supporting Indiana’s economic growth.

 Salenda has nearly 15 years of experience in transportation, supply chain and Foreign-Trade Zone sales and operations. He served in positions with DHL Global Forwarding, DB Schenker and INzone – the Greater Indianapolis Foreign-Trade Zone operated by the Indianapolis Airport Authority.

In his most recent role, as director of business development/key account management for DHL’s Life Science, health care and chemical sectors, Salenda spearheaded multinational account strategies to enhance efficiency in temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical supply chains.

“Bringing Dexter on board marks a strategic expansion for Ports of Indiana in the supply chain services we provide to international businesses and the state,” Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock said in a press release. “Dexter’s logistics and foreign trade industry knowledge will be essential to our organization as we try to create new value for Indiana companies through foreign-trade zones and international container shipments.”

All three Ports of Indiana facilities are designated Foreign-Trade Zones. The organization can support the creation of Foreign-Trade Zones at individual businesses around the state.

Salenda said he’s looking forward to playing a role in the organization’s growth.

“Priority number one is creating awareness and aligning customers with our FTZ benefits and expertise to grow containerized cargo business through the ports,” Salenda said. “With developable land and a growing portfolio of services, the ports are attracting interest from potential long-term partners, and I’m eager to leverage those assets and contribute to our state economy.”

 Salenda is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He has been an active member of various regional economic development committees, including the Indy Chamber’s Foreign Direct Investment Steering Committee and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Committee.