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NAPPO SECRETARIAT
The NAPPO Secretariat is composed of a Chief Scientist (CS), a Technical Director (TD), a Translator/Interpreter (T/I), an Administrative Assistant (SA), and, and any other staff as may be approved by the Executive Committee (EC). The ED, CS, and TD are also members of the Advisory and Management Committee. The Secretariat provides all the necessary logistic and technical support to deliver the NAPPO Work Program as approved by the EC based on the strategic needs and priorities of each NAPPO country.
NAPPO |
CHIEF SCIENTIST |
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Javier Trujillo, Ph.D. |
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Javier Trujillo once he completed his studies in Agronomy with specialization in Entomology, Acarology, Plant Pathology, and Crop Science in Mexico, Javier began his professional career in phytosanitary regulation programs at the Mexican NPPO where he worked for 30 years. During this time, he held the position of National Plant Protection Officer for 15 years, while representing his country as a member of the NAPPO Executive Committee. Regarding the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) activities, he represented Latin America as a member of the Bureau for three periods and was Chair of the Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (CPM) from 2018 to 2021. In 1987, he obtained his PhD at the University of California, Berkely. While he was a graduate student at UC Berkeley, he had the opportunity to work on sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) programs, where he was able to appreciate and master the operation of phytosanitary regulatory programs from a different operational perspective to those in Mexico. After completing his regulatory career and establishing strong links with industry stakeholders in the three NAPPO member countries, he decided to apply for the NAPPO position. His motivation to extend his professional life is to leverage his vast experiences to benefit plant health in the NAPPO region. |
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NAPPO |
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR |
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Alonso Suazo |
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Alonso Suazo is the NAPPO Technical Director since July 2016. Before NAPPO, Alonso worked for five years as the State Regulatory Entomologist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture where he was responsible for the coordination, implementation and supervision of multiple state and federal programs aimed at protecting the state’s agriculture and forest resources from invasive insect species. Alonso has also developed New Pest Response Guidelines for the US Department of Agriculture-Animal Plant Health Inspection Services (USDA-APHIS) on forest pest species of concern to the United States and worked on research in multiple areas including population genetics of Africanized honeybees, development of chemical attractants for the small hive beetle Aethina tumida a pest of honeybees, biological control of the Mexican bromeliad weevil Metamasius callizona, and gene mapping of aphid resistance genes in lupin Medicago truncatula. Alonso has also experience in international consultancy work in beekeeping, outreach and teaching. He graduated with a general degree in Agriculture at the Panamerican School of Agriculture in Honduras and a PhD in Entomology at the University of Florida. |
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NAPPO |
TECHNICAL WRITER |
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Nedelka Marín-Martínez |
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Nedelka Marín-Martínez has been working for NAPPO as the Technical Writer/Translator/Interpreter since 1997. Nedelka works on all of the Secretariat’s documents that require translation into either of its official languages, Spanish or English. In addition, Nedelka provides consecutive interpretation during meetings, workshops and conference calls as well as simultaneous interpretation at meetings and conferences. Nedelka’s love for languages began at the University of Panama, in her native Panama. After moving to Canada Nedelka continued her studies at the University of Ottawa where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish (Magna cum laude) and a Graduate Degree in Translation. Nedelka is a Certified Translator (Specialization in Agriculture) through the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) and member of the American Translator Association (ATA). |
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NAPPO |
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT |
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Daniela Villamizar |
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Daniela Villamizar. Was born and raised in Maracaibo, Venezuela, where she built a strong academic foundation by earning a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a Master’s degree in Communication Sciences. Her education, combined with extensive professional experience, has shaped her ability to communicate effectively, foster meaningful relationships, and lead with confidence and professionalism. Throughout more than 12 years of service in Venezuela’s public sector, Daniela held several leadership roles, including Director of the Mayor’s Office. Prior to that, she worked as a political reporter for some of Maracaibo’s leading media outlets, where she developed the communication skills, attention to detail, discretion, and sound judgment that continue to define her career. During this time, she also gained extensive experience in administrative management, including budgeting, accounting, and coordinating logistics for public events and organizational initiatives. In 2016, Daniela moved to Florida, where she led the administrative department of a television station serving the Venezuelan community. This role allowed her to combine her expertise in communications with her passion for public service and community engagement, while also collaborating with charitable organizations and outreach initiatives. After relocating to North Carolina in 2021, Daniela expanded her professional experience by supporting organizations in the pharmaceutical and engineering industries. Her adaptability, dedication, and strong work ethic ultimately led her to NAPPO, where she currently serves as an Administrative Assistant. In this position, she draws on nearly two decades of experience providing high-level administrative and executive support to senior leaders, including executives, mayors, and CEOs. |
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