Robert E. Perez is the Acting Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC) of Operations Support for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). He began his career with the U.S. Customs Service in 1992. Mr. Perez has held positions such as Director of Field Operations (DFO) for CBP's New York Field Office; DFO and Port Director in Detroit; and the Director of the Customs–Trade Partnership Against Terrorism in Washington, D.C. Mr. Perez has represented the Department of Homeland Security and CBP as a border security expert at scores of international business conferences. He has been a guest lecturer at several institutions of higher learning. Mr. Perez has been recognized throughout his career, including being named "Person of the Year" by the Maritime Security Council. Acting EAC Perez is a career member of the Senior Executive Service, holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rutgers University, and graduated from the Senior Executive Fellows program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.