The 2026 CITP Gala brought professionals together from across Canada and around the world to celebrate a shared commitment to excellence in international trade. The event recognized milestone Certified International Trade Professionals (CITPs) and welcomed a new cohort into a growing global community defined by leadership, credibility, and impact.
As FITT’s Community & Partnership Lead Lora Rigutto, CITP, opened the event, she captured the spirit of the occasion:
“Today’s event is a celebration of leadership, impact, and the growing influence of the CITP community in global trade.”
FITT Board Chair Denise Amyot reinforced the significance of the designation, noting:
“The CITP designation represents excellence. It signals credibility, leadership, and the ability to navigate complexity in a rapidly changing global trade environment.”
25-Year milestone CITPs: Building the foundation
This year’s 25-year honourees represent the early builders of the CITP designation, professionals whose careers span decades of transformation in global trade.
Their contributions have helped establish the credibility and reputation of the designation across industries and regions. These leaders have navigated economic shifts, policy evolution, and technological change while shaping the profession itself.
20-Year milestone CITPs: Sustained leadership
Celebrating two decades of achievement, the 20-year CITPs exemplify consistency, adaptability, and forward-thinking leadership. Their careers reflect a deep commitment to staying relevant in an ever-evolving trade landscape while mentoring and influencing the next generation of professionals.
15-Year milestone CITPs: Diverse expertise across sectors
The 15-year milestone group highlights the breadth and diversity of the CITP community. These professionals have built strong international networks and contributed across a wide range of sectors.
Represented organizations include a mix of public and private sector leaders including, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Global Affairs Canada, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, Tootsie Roll Industries, and Umbra Ltd among others.
From trade promotion and finance to manufacturing and consulting, this group demonstrates how CITPs drive impact across industries.
10-Year milestone CITPs: A decade of impact
Marking ten years of certification, this group reflects strong contributions across corporations, government, and international organizations.
These CITPs represent organizations as diverse as FITT’s longtime strategic partner Export Development Canada, Lenovo, Royal Caribbean Group, World Customs Organization, and University Canada West, and many more.
These professionals have spent a decade strengthening global trade practices and advancing their organizations’ international success.
5-Year milestone CITPs: Emerging leaders
The 5-year milestone recipients represent the next generation of trade leaders, professionals who have invested in building credibility and expertise early in their careers.
Their organizations reflect a wide spectrum of the trade ecosystem, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, TD Bank, Honeywell International, Export Development Canada, Algonquin College among many others.
These milestones are not just about time; they reflect momentum and continued professional growth.
Welcoming the newest CITPs
A highlight of the gala was the recognition of the newest cohort of CITPs, professionals who earned the designation in 2025.
FITT President & CEO Caroline Tompkins emphasized the importance of this growing community:
“Behind that success is a shared foundation… we have built and maintained a global standard of excellence for export readiness.”
This year’s new CITPs represent a dynamic mix of emerging talent and seasoned professionals from both public and private sectors. Their roles span trade advisory, logistics, finance, policy, and business development.
Organizations represented include: Invest in Canada, Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, World Trade Centre Vancouver, NARL Marketing, Quality Move Management, and Dyson.
Lora Rigutto also highlighted individual stories that reflect the depth of experience in this cohort, noting seasoned professionals and global leaders who continue to invest in their development and the designation.
A community driving global trade forward
Throughout the gala, one message remained clear: the CITP designation is more than a credential, it is a global standard and a powerful network.
Caroline Tompkins captured this collective impact:
“By sharing the value of the designation… you help grow both the reach and the depth of this community.”
From 25-year pioneers to newly certified professionals, the CITP community continues to shape the future of international trade—driving innovation, building connections, and strengthening global commerce.
Congratulations to all milestone and newly certified CITPs for your years of leadership and impact as part of this distinguished professional community.
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