California Stories

Fred Latuperissa, Indian Wells

FRED LATUPERISSA
(Nominated by Lori VanArsdale)
Gerald R. Ford Elementary School
March 10, 2011

Mr. Latuperissa is a U.S. Navy Vietnam Veteran and currently serves as the International Trade Administration -U.S. Commercial Service Director of the United States Department of Commerce in Ontario, California, promoting international trade for expansion and economic growth. His previous overseas assignments include: acting Senior Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan; acting Commercial Attaché for Belgium and Luxembourg; advance team member during the 1994 Presidential Trade Mission to China; and advance team member during the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia. In 2003, he established the California Inland Empire District Export Council, an advisory group of business leaders from the region appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.  He was one of the founders of the California Inland Empire International Business Association that promotes both economic and international development in Riverside and San Bernardino County region.  He is a current member of the U.S. Civilian Response Corps and a longtime volunteer member of Rotary International having served as Past-President, Assistant Governor, and District Alumni/Membership Chair for Riverside & San Bernardino Counties. In recognition of his service, he has received the International Trade Administration (ITA) Memorial Award and the ITA Bronze medal.