Leadership Announcement
TLR – Total Logistics Resource, Inc. (TLR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Clark Buffam as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Representing the third generation of family leadership, Clark succeeds his late father, Steve Buffam, to lead the company into its next half-century of global trade and compliance excellence.
“Organizational change, particularly in leadership, is often a significant challenge,” said Heather Kiesel, President of TLR. “However, TLR is fortunate that the vision and values Steve championed are innate to Clark, making him the natural choice to carry this legacy forward. Given his deep industry passion and diverse professional background, I am confident that TLR’s future is exceptionally bright.“
Legacy & Leadership Transition
Clark joins the helm of TLR following a career defined by strategic leadership at the forefront of maritime innovation. He brings a proven track record of building and scaling specialized maritime organizations, having served as a founder and executive at Gulf Marine Contractors, where he focused on offshore agency and logistics; American Offshore Services, a leader in Jones Act-compliant Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs); and the specialized barge transportation firm SEA.O.G. His tenure across these ventures saw him spearheading first-of-their-kind initiatives in vessel operations and sustainable energy logistics, bridging the gap between traditional shipping and the evolving needs of modern infrastructure.
“It is a profound honor to carry forward the legacy my father and grandfather built,” said Clark Buffam. “TLR was founded on the principles of faith, integrity, and a steadfast commitment to our people. My focus is on honoring that heritage while driving the next era of growth through technology and specialized logistics expertise to help our clients navigate an increasingly complex global supply chain.”
Experience, Vision & Strategic Focus
A licensed U.S. Customs Broker with a degree from Washington State University, Clark’s global operational experience spans North America, Europe, and Asia. His background, which combines deep-rooted trade compliance expertise with heavy-lift and offshore project logistics, uniquely positions TLR to expand its footprint in high-compliance sectors such as energy, defense, and specialized logistics.
Continuing the TLR Mission Under Clark’s leadership, TLR will maintain its “people-first” philosophy and values-driven culture. The executive team remains focused on providing world-class service in trade compliance, IATA air freight, and NVOCC operations, ensuring stability and continuity for TLR’s global client base.
About TLR – Total Logistics Resource, Inc.
Founded in 1974, TLR is a family-owned international logistics provider headquartered in Vancouver, Washington. Specializing in customs brokerage, freight forwarding, and complex trade compliance, TLR serves a diverse range of industries including agriculture, defense, and renewable energy. For over 50 years, TLR has been dedicated to optimizing the movement of goods through integrity, expertise, and unrivaled service.
