About Us

Who We Are & Our Dedicated Team

Our Goals

At Harbour Island Consulting, we don't just offer consultancy services; we pave the way to success. As a premier business advisory group, we are driven by a passion for delivering innovative and clear solutions to our esteemed clients.

With a proven track record of over 30 years in public service and senior executive management, we possess the unique expertise to navigate the intricate landscape of customs, homeland security, border management, government advocacy, trade, travel, training, and all your essential business needs.

Our Team

Michelle Ferrara

CEO, Co-Founder

Michelle Ferrara is the CEO and co-founder of Harbour Island Consulting, LLC, a strategic consulting firm dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for government and commercial clients. With a keen understanding of compliance, risk management, and operational efficiency, Michelle leads Harbour Island Consulting in helping organizations navigate complex regulatory environments, optimize business processes, and drive sustainable growth.

Under Michelle’s leadership, Harbour Island Consulting has built a strong reputation for providing expert guidance in trade facilitation, supply chain security, and federal contracting. She has been instrumental in forming strategic partnerships, developing tailored compliance solutions, and enhancing operational resilience for clients across various industries. Her ability to blend regulatory expertise with business strategy ensures that organizations achieve both compliance and competitive advantage.

Before founding Harbour Island Consulting, Michelle honed her leadership and problem-solving skills in customer service and education. She previously worked at TEKsystems, Inc. in Downers Grove, Illinois, where she managed payroll and contractor relations, ensuring seamless operations and compliance with workforce regulations. The majority of her career was spent in education, where she dedicated herself to teaching English at various schools across the United States. Her extensive experience in curriculum development and student engagement reflects her commitment to structured, results-driven solutions—an approach she carries into her work at Harbour Island Consulting.

Michelle's expertise in communication and community engagement was also demonstrated during her tenure as the Newsletter Editor for the United States Embassy in Ottawa, Ontario. There, she collaborated with embassy staff and international partners to produce high-quality publications that strengthened internal and external communications.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Rhode Island. Today, Michelle continues to drive Harbour Island Consulting’s mission forward, helping clients navigate the evolving business landscape with confidence and precision.

William A. Ferrara

President, Co-Founder

William A. Ferrara is an accomplished senior executive leader in U.S. Customs and Border Protection, homeland security, and international affairs. As the President and Co-Founder of Harbour Island Consulting (HIC), he brings decades of experience in government operations, strategic leadership, and policy implementation to support clients in successfully navigating complex challenges and maximizing opportunities in the trade and security landscape.

With a distinguished career as the Executive Assistant Commissioner at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), William led operational strategies for border security, trade facilitation, and national security initiatives. In this role, he managed a workforce of over 33,000 employees and an annual budget of $7.2 billion, ensuring the seamless operation of the nation’s ports of entry while balancing security and economic priorities. His leadership was instrumental in advancing CBP’s mission through innovative programs and partnerships.

Previously, as the Executive Assistant Commissioner for Operations Support, William provided strategic guidance to key subcomponents that supported CBP’s mission, including intelligence, incident coordination, scientific services, international affairs, and law enforcement safety. His ability to align operational objectives with broader government policies was a cornerstone of his leadership.

William’s international expertise included serving as the Acting Attaché to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where he advised senior policymakers on security initiatives, operational impacts of Brexit, and international collaborations. His global perspective enhances Harbour Island Consulting’s ability to provide clients with insights into international trade, customs regulations, and border security challenges.

At Harbour Island Consulting, William applies his deep institutional knowledge and leadership acumen to help businesses and organizations successfully navigate government procurement, regulatory compliance, and industry-government collaboration. His expertise in trade facilitation and enforcement trends enables clients to mitigate compliance risks, optimize supply chain security, and respond effectively to CBP enforcement actions. Leveraging his extensive experience in crisis management and organizational leadership, he provides strategic guidance on operational efficiencies, workforce development, and change management. Through executive coaching, regulatory advisory services, and tailored market strategies, William empowers businesses to enhance their competitiveness and resilience in an evolving trade and security landscape.

William’s leadership has been defined by his ability to drive innovation, efficiency, and security across national and international operations. His experience managing large-scale field operations, directing policy development, and engaging with global stakeholders positions him as a trusted authority in the trade and security space. Through Harbour Island Consulting, he continues to empower clients with the expertise and strategic vision necessary to thrive in an evolving regulatory and operational landscape.

Robert Harris

HIC Affiliate

Mr. Robert Harris retired from federal service in January 2025 after a distinguished 35-year career in customs, border security, and international operations. In his most recent role, he served as the Director of Field Operations for International Field Operations, where he provided leadership and oversight for all foreign-deployed Office of Field Operations (OFO) activities across 38 countries.

In this capacity, Mr. Harris was responsible for directing CBP’s Preclearance Operations, a vital security and trade facilitation program that enables travelers to undergo U.S. customs and immigration inspections before boarding flights to the United States. He managed strategic partnerships with host governments, foreign law enforcement agencies, and international airport authorities to enhance national security while expediting lawful travel and commerce. Additionally, he oversaw the Container Security Initiative and the Immigration Advisory Program, which includes the Joint Security Program and Police Liaison Program, strengthening CBP’s global enforcement presence against transnational threats.

A seasoned leader within U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mr. Harris held numerous critical positions throughout his career. Notably, he served as Chief of Staff to the Executive Assistant Commissioner of the Office of Field Operations, where he played a key role in shaping policy, driving operational strategies, and managing high-level stakeholder engagements across the agency. In this capacity, he worked closely with senior DHS officials, foreign governments, and private-sector partners to advance CBP’s global security initiatives and international trade objectives.

Mr. Harris’s career reflects a strong commitment to international engagement, policy development, and strategic leadership:

Global Security & Trade Facilitation – Led CBP’s foreign operations, overseeing Preclearance programs in major international airports and ports. Negotiated agreements with foreign governments to expand Preclearance and strengthen security partnerships.
Policy & Strategic Impact – Shaped international enforcement policies that enhanced border security while balancing economic and trade considerations. Provided strategic guidance on risk-based security measures and regulatory frameworks.
Leadership in Change Management – Successfully navigated complex operational challenges, leading international teams and overseeing critical mission areas in coordination with global partners.
Cross-Sector Collaboration – Engaged with foreign law enforcement agencies, private-sector stakeholders, and international aviation authorities to align CBP policies with evolving global security threats.

Throughout his career, Mr. Harris advanced through various leadership roles, including Assistant Director of Field Operations for Border Security in the Chicago Field Office, Deputy Assistant Director for Border Security, and Integrity Officer for the Chicago Field Office. He also served as Acting Area Port Director for the Area Ports of Portland, ME, and Minneapolis, MN, and progressed through frontline and managerial positions, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of operational, international, and policy challenges.

Beyond his CBP career, Mr. Harris is a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran, having honorably served for 20 years. He attended Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis.