BANKS RESIGNS FROM U.S. CUSTOMS

   Deputy U.S. Customs Commissioner Samuel H. Banks says it’s time to start a new career after 28 years with the agency.
   Banks tendered his resignation Tuesday. He said he will depart the
agency by early February. "I believe that you go when you’re still young
enough to start another career," said Banks, 54.
   Starting in January, Banks said he will begin to look for work in the
private sector in the Washington area. He will consider job opportunities in consulting or lobbying. Because of contractual constraints, Banks will be unable to perform Customs-related work directly with the agency for a year.
   The industry called Banks’ resignation a "huge loss" to Customs. "He
will be missed," said Eugene J. Milosh, president of the American
Association of Exporters and Importers. "Customs will have a difficult time to replace him."
   But the industry looks forward to working with Banks after his departure from Customs. "There’s lots of room in the private sector for a person with his ability and experience," said Jon H. Kent, Washington representative for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America.
   It’s unclear yet who will fill Banks’ role at Customs. Some industry
analysts say that Charles W. Winwood, Customs’ assistant commissioner for the Office of Field Operations, is the most likely candidate for deputy commissioner, or Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly may hire someone from outside the agency.