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Bill McNamara, Director

Bill McNamara

With over 30 years of international business development and sales management experience, Bill McNamara brings a wealth of knowledge to the ITA/GC.

While working at a senior level in companies such as Federal Signal Corporation, Minuteman International and Conbraco Industries, Bill was responsible for building the international businesses of these firms. Although his role also included international licensing deals, and performing due diligence and integration of foreign acquisitions, his strength is in developing and managing B2B sales channels on a global basis. This work has entailed living on 4 continents, several million miles of travel, and work in over 65 countries in all world regions. With his experience, Bill offers a strategic orientation and a uniquely broad perspective on international business issues.

He is a long-time member of the ITA/GC, a former Illinois District Export Council appointee, an advisor to SME’s at the Chicago Regional Growth Corporation’s Export Tech Program, and has been a speaker on international business topics at various local universities and associations.

Born and raised in Chicago, Bill attended Northwestern University majoring in Economics and Communications Studies. He earned his MBA overseas at ESCP, one of France’s grande ecoles, located in Paris.

Bill is currently the Director of the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at the Women’s Business Development Center in Chicago. Through the ITC, he provides guidance, advice and resources to small and medium sized business looking to establish or grow their exports. Services include assessing export readiness, export strategy and consulting on topics such as logistics, trade finance and compliance. He can be reached at 312 853 3477, ext 100, or by email at bmcnamara@wbdc.org.