Jerry Hingle

Jerry Hingle (born April 21, 1968) is the CEO and Executive Director of Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA). SUSTA is a non-profit organization that combines the Departments of Agriculture of the 15 southern states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. As Executive Director, Hingle directs SUSTA’s promotional strategy and works to expand export markets for U.S agricultural products and high-value food. Jerry Hingle has been working for SUSTA for six years.
Education
Hingle is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, and attended Brother Martin High School, a Catholic university preparatory school. After graduating from Brother Martin, Hingle would continue his education at Loyola University New Orleans, a private, co-educational and Jesuit University. In 1990, Hingle earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and majored in Marketing.
Two years later, Jerry Hingle furthered his education at the European University in Brussels, Belgium. It was there that he would earn his Masters of Business Administration with a specialization in International management and begin his career in International business.
Career
Jerry Hingle began working in Brussels, Belgium at the A&MV Public Relations International. Working as an account manager of public relations and research, Hingle conducted market potential studies for U.S agricultural products in Europe.
After working with A&MV, Hingle moved to Washington, D.C to work for the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). The AF&PA is a national trade association of the forest products industry. It represents manufacturers of the U.S pulp and paper industry, as well as 50 percent of the wood building material capacity. Jerry Hingle managed AF&PA’s international marketing efforts and research programs for wood products in Asia, Mexico, and the European Union.
Jerry Hingle would return to New Orleans, however, where he began working for Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA), a trade organization representing the U.S lumber industry. The SFPA specifically represents Southern Pine lumber manufacturers from Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Hingle directed the industry’s international marketing and trade policy program for 10 years.
After a long career at SFPA, Hingle joined Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA) in 1996. He currently heads the organization’s $11 million promotional campaign. SUSTA has a full-time staff of 12, and is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana. SUSTA operates in more than 30 countries worldwide.
Appointments
Jerry Hingle has been a member of several committees throughout his career. For four years, he served on the U.S Department of Commerce Industry Trade Advisory Committee for forest products. The Industry Trade Advisory Committee is established by the Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative (the USTR). As an appointee, Jerry Hingle provided detailed policy and technical advice and recommendations to the Secretary and the USTR regarding trade barriers, trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements.
Jerry Hingle is also a member of the Louisiana District Export Council, since 2008. Appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, Hingle advises local companies on export issues and international market development. In addition, Hingle works to identify potential exports and mentor small and medium size companies who are new to exporting. He has recently been reappointed on a second, four-year term on the Council.
Apart from being a member of the Louisiana District Export Council, Hingle also serves on the U.S Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC). He was appointed in 2008. Specifically, Hingle serves on the committee for trade in processed foods. As an appointee, Jerry Hingle advises the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S Trade Representative on matters of negotiating and bargaining on trade. After finishing a term on the committee, Hingle was reappointed to ATAC on September 21st, 2011.
“The ATACs give American business interests direct and real-time input on foreign trade policy decisions, and with worldwide demand for food and agriculture projected to rise sharply over the coming decades, it’s critical for us to be at the table to ensure that local exporters get a part of this growth,” said Hingle in a press release.
Life in New Orleans
Hingle’s involvement in Louisiana exports has been constant throughout his career, and in January of 2011 Hingle assured southern exporters of a growing market for Louisiana.
“Demand for Louisiana food and agricultural products is rising around the world, for commodities such as rice and soybeans as well as high-value products such as spices and hot sauces. Consumers around the world love our food and cuisine, and we're encouraged to see many Louisiana companies cashing in on this growing demand aided by the competitive dollar," says Hingle in an article for The Times-Picayune.
Apart from local export efforts, Jerry Hingle serves on Loyola University’s Executive Mentor program as well. As an executive mentor, Hingle provides guidance to Loyola students on matters such as career paths and business skills.
He currently resides in New Orleans with his wife, Mary, and son, Nicholas. On June 12th 2010, Hingle’s 1880s-era Queen Anne home was featured on Nola.com in the Home and Garden section. Their home was recognized as having a rich history which the Hingle family took into consideration before purchasing the house. The house was said to be owned by the Algiers Methodist Church from about 1918 until the early 1940s.

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