Cassia Carvalho
Executive Director
Cassia M. Carvalho is the executive director of the Brazil-U.S. Business Council. She is an international development expert with over 20 years of experience in public policy, international relations and private-sector development in the emerging and developing economies of Latin America, Africa and Asia. She serves as an adviser for the governments of Brazil, the United States and others, as well as for multi-national corporations, multilateral agencies, international financial institutions and industry associations. Prior to joining the Council, Ms. Carvalho worked as global leader for corporate affairs at the headquarters of Vale SA in Rio de Janeiro, and before that served in various roles at the Millennium Challenge Corporation where she managed a portfolio of public-private partnerships across emerging countries. Ms. Carvalho has been a consulting adviser for multi-national companies on topics such as market entry, commercial diplomacy and sustainability strategies, among others. She was a visiting professor at Andrews University and has lectured at La Sierra University and the U.N. Staff College. She holds a master’s degree in international development and economics from the American University in Washington, DC. Ms. Carvalho also speaks several languages – English, Portuguese, French, and Spanish – and has lived extensively in Brazil, Mozambique, France, Switzerland and Japan.
Renata Vasconcellos
Senior Policy Director
Renata B. Vasconcellos is senior policy director at the Brazil-U.S. Business Council. She identifies and analyzes policy issues affecting U.S. business both in Brazil and the United States and is responsible for formulating and executing BUSBC’s policy agenda on behalf of our members. Renata, an attorney admitted to practice law in Brazil and in the United States (N.Y. and D.C.), worked in the international department of Ohio based law firm Porter Wright prior to joining BUSBC, where for 16 years she represented American, Brazilian and Latin American clients on a variety of trade issues, including antidumping, customs law and export controls. Renata holds a J.D. from the Universidade Federal Fluminense in Rio de Janeiro and a master’s degree in international business and trade law from the American University, in Washington D.C.
Drew Westervelt
Director
Drew Westervelt is director at the Brazil-U.S. Business Council. In this role, he manages the development, promotion and implementation of the Council’s initiatives to advance commercial ties between Brazil and the United States. Mr. Westervelt is responsible for member relations, advocating on behalf of member companies and representing their interests before both governments. Previously, Mr. Westervelt served as director with the Council of the Americas, where he oversaw programming and engagement with multinational corporations, promoting their global expansion and growth in the Western Hemisphere. Additionally, Mr. Westervelt built and maintained partnerships and relationships with government agencies, multilateral institutions, and non-governmental organizations in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru and the U.S. Mr. Westervelt holds a master’s degree in international studies from the University of Miami, and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Keene State College. He is proficient in Portuguese and is conversational in Spanish.
Olimar Rivera Noa
Associate Manager
Olimar is associate manager for the Brazil-U.S. Business Council and the U.S.-Argentina Business Council. She is responsible for managing communications, planning and organizing events, conducting research on topics relevant to the Councils’ policy agendas, and providing support for the programs’ development. Olimar holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on Global Economy from American University. She is proficient in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.
Leonardo Abranches
Advisor for Government and Corporate Affairs
Leonardo is the Advisor for Government and Corporate Affairs of the Brazil-U.S. Business Council. He represents the Council before the Brazilian Administration; analyzes public policies under implementation; leads impact assessment of potential legislative changes; and proposes advocacy roadmaps and outreach partners from private sector in Brazil and the U.S. Prior to joining the Council, he worked 5 years as the Government Relations Advisor for the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Association – ABIT where he contributed for the achievement of important victories defending the interests of the textile and apparel Brazilian industry before the federal Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches of the government.