Petra GA » People

Barbara R. Spangler

Senior Trade & Regulatory Affairs Advisor

Mary A. Scott is the Founder and Principal of Petra Global Affairs, LLC, an international trade consulting firm specializing in regulatory assistance and market entry strategies. Since launching Petra, she has helped foreign companies navigate the complexities of the U.S. market and supported U.S. industries expand their global footprint.

Mary brings nearly a decade of experience in regulatory, government, and international affairs. Her career began as a microbiologist for the Idaho State Department of Agriculture before moving to Washington D.C. to pursue a career in government affairs. She has worked extensively with state and federal agencies on compliance, regulatory efforts, and permitting, helping businesses navigate complex matters and market access challenges. Further, Mary has advanced federal policy and regulatory changes, and she has lead a nation wide coalition.

Before founding Petra, she managed multimillion-dollar international marketing programs for the American Peanut Council and held policy and trade roles at the National Association of Conservation Districts and the American Seed Trade Association.

Mary serves on the University of Idaho’s Animal, Veterinary & Food Sciences Advisory Board and is the President of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Amateurs of Boise. She holds B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science from the University of Idaho.

Originally from Idaho, Mary enjoys skiing, golfing, and spending time with her rescue dog, Jaws.

Mary A. Scott

Founder & Principal

Barbara R. Spangler is a seasoned trade policy expert with over 40 years of experience in international affairs including domestic and international regulatory and trade policy negotiations and compliance, and market development. Her portfolio also includes assisting companies and organizations navigating through international and domestic regulatory issues.

Barbara has held key roles at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), where she led trade policy negotiations and managed phytosanitary negotiations impacting agricultural exports and imports. She has also represented industry interests as Vice President of Washington Operations for the American Cotton Shippers Association and Executive Director of the Wheat Export Trade Education Committee. Further, she has served on the Agriculture Technical Advisory Committee for Trade (ATAC).

Her work extends beyond the United States, having lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Uganda, Singapore, and Hong Kong. She has led market study teams across Cuba, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, strengthening international trade relationships and identifying new opportunities for market access.

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Boise, ID | +1.510.589.8039