Mr. Stearns has built a distinguished legal career spanning more than forty years in international trade including government service with the U.S. Department of Commerce, twenty years in private practice, and later holding nearly as long a tenure as in-house counsel.
Before joining Kalbian Hagerty, Mr. Stearns was Deputy Global Trade Lead with Accenture, a
leading consulting firm employing several hundred thousand people in over 120 countries. He
retired from that position in February of 2025. Prior to his work at Accenture, he headed trade
compliance for Intelsat, the world’s largest satellite operator at that time.
Mr. Stearns is experienced in addressing issues related to economic sanctions, the International
Traffic in Arms and Export Administration Act Regulations (ITAR), the Export Administration
Regulations (EAR), boycott matters, and compliance with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
(FCPA). He has also been registered as both a lobbyist and a foreign agent.
Experience
Deputy Global Trade Lead
Accenture LLP
August 2023 – February 2025
Accenture LLP
Arlington, VA
Assisted the managing director of trade compliance in implementing policies and procedures throughout the company.
Regional Trade Compliance Counsel / Americas
Accenture LLP
May 2013 – February 2025 11 years and 9 months Arlington, Virginia
As Accenture’s Regional Trade Compliance Counsel for the Americas my portfolio includes providing legal and regulatory advice on Antiboycott, EAR, ITAR and OFAC issues, among others, for the Americas Region which encompasses Canada, the US, Mexico, Central America and Latin America. During this time I spent 7 years simultaneously heading Asia/Pacific as well as the Americas.
Attorney/Consultant
Self-employed Consultant
Feb 2012 – Apr 2013 1 year 3 months
Washington, D.C.
Provide compliance advice to corporations, law firms, and consulting companies on trade matters including ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and FCPA.
Director, Trade Compliance
Intelsat Corporation
May 2004 – Feb 2012 7 years 10 months
Washington, D.C.
Devised, implemented, oversaw wide- ranging, ” best practices” trade compliance program for major satellite operator going business in approximately 200 countries. Conducted biannual training of over 900 employees.
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Member, DC Metro Area Advisory Board
BBT
1998 – 2012 14 years
Charitable Work
Cerebral Palsy International Research Foundation New York City, New York
Board Member
1993 – 2014 21 years
President
2004 – 2012 8 years
