Export Compliance Solutions & Consulting (ECS)

ITAR & EAR challenges abound.
You have questions.
We have answers.

ECS was founded by Suzanne Palmer after 15 years of experience in the State Department followed by hands-on import and export experience in the defense industry sector. Prior to founding the company, Ms. Palmer worked as Manager of Export Compliance for the Space Department at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, as Manager for the Export Administration and Compliance Department of Northrop Grumman in Linthicum, Maryland and in the U.S. Department of State in a variety of positions. During this time, Ms. Palmer served in the Office of Defense Trade Controls (ODTC) as a licensing officer overseeing different commodities in the licensing branch. She also served in the Office of Defense Trade Policy where she contributed to the ITAR USML review, drafted policy papers for the Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) and assisted in the formulation of defense trade policy toward the former Soviet Union. Ms. Palmer has served in the Defense Trade Advisory Group (DTAG) and was appointed by State/DTCC as a Special Compliance Official (SCO) to a local defense company.

Meet the Consulting and Training Staff of ECS

Former government and defense industry officials who combine export compliance insight with hands-on experience for YOUR Advantage

At ECS we recognize our firm’s success is built on the invaluable talents and contributions of our entire staff. We operate under a shared set of core principles that guide everything we do—from how we treat each other and our clients, to how we foster a strong culture of collaboration through rigorous and relevant export compliance knowledge-sharing. Our staff takes pride in knowing we help you achieve success in meeting compliance challenges.

ECS is proud to announce the addition of Melva Exner to the ECS team. Following a career as in-house legal counsel to various corporations, including a lengthy term as head of the legal department for the US subsidiary of an Italian aircraft manufacturer, Melva opened her own law practice in 2018 and will be assisting ECS with upcoming web meetings.

We look forward to meeting you and working with you soon!

Suzanne Palmer - Founder and President
Lisa Bencivenga
Niclas Dahlvang
Paul Lasko
Gregory Novalis
Chip Palmer
Karma Ruiz
Mal Zerden
Melva M. Exner
Brent Jones
Walter H. Hawes III