August E. “Gus” Knestaut, Esquire
Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs
August E. “Gus” Knestaut is the Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs of the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC). He serves as the chief internal lawyer for the SJPC and is responsible for all major legal matters. Mr. Knestaut reports directly to the Executive Director and Board Chair and provides comprehensive legal guidance for corporate governance, regulatory compliance, labor and employment, procurement, insurance, claims, and litigation. He oversees and participates in all aspects of SJPC’s contract and lease negotiations, litigation, regulatory investigations, and arbitration proceedings, and collaborates with outside counsel on such matters. He insures SJPC remains in compliance with all federal and state employment and procurement laws and regulations; oversees disciplinary and contractual grievance matters; and advises concerning negotiations with SJPC’s multiple bargaining units.
As Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Mr. Knestaut identifies potential legal risks and devises strategies to mitigate them. He has implemented several risk management policies and strategies related to SJPC lease and conciliation agreements, regulatory compliance, procurement, insurance, and employee discipline.
Mr. Knestaut graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and earned his Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law in 1991. He is a member of the Phi Delta Phi – Harrington Inn Legal Honor Fraternity and holds certificates from Rutgers University in Public Sector Labor Relations and Labor and Employment Law.
Mr. Knestaut is admitted to the Bar in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is authorized to practice before the Federal Courts in the District of New Jersey, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Before joining SJPC, Mr. Knestaut spent 17 years in private practice, specializing in construction, complex commercial, zoning, planning, real estate, and government matters, both litigation and transactional. He also served as solicitor for several municipalities and municipal land use boards and was an Assistant County Counsel for Gloucester County.
August E. “Gus” Knestaut, Esquire
August E. “Gus” Knestaut is the Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs of the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC). He serves as the chief internal lawyer for the SJPC and is responsible for all major legal matters. Mr. Knestaut reports directly to the Executive Director and Board Chair and provides comprehensive legal guidance for corporate governance, regulatory compliance, labor and employment, procurement, insurance, claims, and litigation. He oversees and participates in all aspects of SJPC’s contract and lease negotiations, litigation, regulatory investigations, and arbitration proceedings, and collaborates with outside counsel on such matters. He insures SJPC remains in compliance with all federal and state employment and procurement laws and regulations; oversees disciplinary and contractual grievance matters; and advises concerning negotiations with SJPC’s multiple bargaining units.
As Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Mr. Knestaut identifies potential legal risks and devises strategies to mitigate them. He has implemented several risk management policies and strategies related to SJPC lease and conciliation agreements, regulatory compliance, procurement, insurance, and employee discipline.
Mr. Knestaut graduated from St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and earned his Juris Doctorate from Widener University School of Law in 1991. He is a member of the Phi Delta Phi – Harrington Inn Legal Honor Fraternity and holds certificates from Rutgers University in Public Sector Labor Relations and Labor and Employment Law.
Mr. Knestaut is admitted to the Bar in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and is authorized to practice before the Federal Courts in the District of New Jersey, the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. Before joining SJPC, Mr. Knestaut spent 17 years in private practice, specializing in construction, complex commercial, zoning, planning, real estate, and government matters, both litigation and transactional. He also served as solicitor for several municipalities and municipal land use boards and was an Assistant County Counsel for Gloucester County.
Brendan Dugan
Hired in 2020, Brendan Dugan serves as the Assistant Executive Director and Chief Commercial Officer at the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC). In this role, he is responsible for leading initiatives aimed at cargo and revenue growth, implementing comprehensive marketing and communication plans, overseeing the development of a port master plan and strategic plan, managing all SJPC real estate transactions, and spearheading the Port’s offshore wind initiatives.
Brendan is a seasoned maritime logistics professional with over 40 years of experience. His extensive background encompasses port terminal operations, warehousing and distribution, intermodal rail, sales, and marketing, and negotiating complex lease and operating agreements. His multifaceted expertise allows him to effectively drive the strategic goals of SJPC and enhance the Port’s competitive position in the industry.
Before joining SJPC, Brendan held significant roles in business development and marketing across various prestigious organizations. He worked with Ports America, where he was responsible for expanding business opportunities and enhancing Port America’s market presence. At Global Logistics Development, he played a key role in strategic planning and business growth initiatives. His tenure at the Port of Tacoma involved critical projects that contributed to the Port’s operational efficiency and cargo handling capabilities. At Massport, he was instrumental in marketing and customer engagement strategies and at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey he engaged in substantial development projects that shaped the region’s maritime infrastructure.
Brendan’s academic credentials include an MBA from Northeastern University and a BA in Political Science from Boston College, providing a solid foundation in analytical and strategic thinking. His combined educational and professional experience has enabled him to successfully navigate the complexities of maritime logistics and port management.
At SJPC, Brendan continues to leverage his extensive industry knowledge and strategic vision to drive growth, enhance operational efficiencies, and position the Port for future success.
Chris Perks, PE
Chris Perks is a licensed professional engineer and capital program manager with over 40 years of experience in design and construction across various sectors, including wastewater, transportation, site development, municipal public works, and construction management.
For 20 years, he served as president of a local engineering firm responsible for significant projects such as the Kimmel Performing Arts Center, the Philadelphia Zoo’s PECO Primate Reserve, renovations to the historic Academy of Music and the Philadelphia Water Works, and pre-construction services for the Barnes Museum and the Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion. His firm also managed the renovation of fifty-three Free Library buildings in the City of Philadelphia.
His clientele included the School District of Philadelphia, City of Philadelphia Water and Streets Departments, Baltimore County School District, AMTRAK, Delaware River Port Authority, New Jersey Turnpike Authority, Garden State Parkway, NJDOT, and several counties and townships in New Jersey.
Chris has a wealth of experience in engineering and construction management. He was a consulting engineer for the South Jersey Transportation Authority, where he oversaw their capital program and managed the widening of Interchange 41. Chris also served as Senior Director of Design and Construction for the Philadelphia Parking Authority, managing a $95 million capital program for parking facilities at Philadelphia International Airport and Center City. Additionally, he has been the construction manager for major projects including the $52 million Gloria Sabater Elementary School and the $14 million library renovations at the Community College of Philadelphia.
He is the president of the board of the Camden County Historical Society and a member of the New Jersey Historic Trust, appointed by the governor. He served as chair of the Philadelphia Board of Building Standards for eight years, appointed by the mayor of Philadelphia.
Chris is licensed as a professional engineer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York, and is also a licensed professional planner, Certified Municipal Engineer in New Jersey and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Chris received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Bucknell University and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Alliant University.
Jonathan Atwood
Jonathan Atwood is the Chief of Staff and External Affairs at the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC), where he leverages experience in policy analysis, government relations, and strategic leadership. In his role, Mr. Atwood acts as the principal liaison to state and federal agencies, overseeing the Port’s external affairs and government relations operations. He also serves as the administrative head for the Port, ensuring compliance with agency policies, procedures, and union agreements.
With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence, Mr. Atwood reviews and enhances business practices at the Port, implementing policies and procedures to bolster internal controls and ensure employee compliance. His commitment to safety and regulatory compliance was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he led the Port’s response efforts, aligning operations with CDC and NJ Department of Health guidelines.
In addition to his administrative duties, Mr. Atwood serves as the Ethics Liaison Officer and acts as the Board Secretary. His role as a senior advisor to the Port’s Executive Director/CEO and senior management team underscores his strategic importance within the organization.
Before joining SJPC, Mr. Atwood worked at the First Legislative District holding various positions including Legislative Director, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Chief of Staff. Working under five different legislators, he played a pivotal role in the development of over four hundred pieces of legislation. Mr. Atwood’s legislative achievements span a wide range of policy areas. Notable accomplishments include his contributions to the New Jersey Paid Family Leave Act, Veterans Diversion Program, dyslexia education reform, and initiatives to streamline regulatory processes in aquaculture and rental taxation. His dedication to public service and legislative policy has left a lasting mark on New Jersey.
A graduate of Rutgers University, Mr. Atwood holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. His academic background, coupled with his extensive professional experience, enables him to adroitly navigate the intersection of government and industry for the continued growth of the Port.
Kevin Duffy
Kevin Duffy serves as the Assistant Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC). With a robust 36-year career in stevedoring operations at Port Elizabeth, New Jersey, Mr. Duffy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role at SJPC.
Mr. Duffy’s career began in 1984 at Maher Terminals, where he started as a vessel superintendent at the Tripoli Street Terminal in Port Elizabeth. In 1990, he transitioned to Sealand Service as a vessel planner at the Atlantic Tonnage Control Center in Woodbridge, NJ. His return to the docks in 1994 marked the beginning of a 26-year tenure in Terminal Operations with Sealand, where he gained extensive experience across Yard, Gate, Rail, and Vessel Operations. This period solidified his comprehensive understanding of port operations and logistics.
In 2018, Mr. Duffy shifted his focus to recruiting, hiring, and training new employees for the Port Elizabeth Terminal, ensuring that the next generation of port workers were well-prepared to meet the industry’s demands. His dedication to operational excellence and workforce development underscores his commitment to the maritime sector.
Prior to joining SJPC, Mr. Duffy was the Lean Academy Partner at APM Terminals Elizabeth, where he implemented lean management practices to enhance operational efficiency. He also served as the Director of Vessel Operations, overseeing all aspects of vessel handling, and ensuring seamless coordination of port activities.
Mr. Duffy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Transportation Economics from S.U.N.Y. Maritime College, equipping him with a solid foundation in maritime commerce and economics.
At SJPC, Mr. Duffy leverages his extensive experience and strategic vision to drive operational excellence, improve efficiency, and foster growth. His leadership continues to be instrumental in advancing SJPC’s mission and enhancing its competitive position in the maritime industry.
Lisa M. Mclaughlin, MBA, CPA
Ms. McLaughlin has a 29-year career in accounting, with 22 years in public accounting and the remainder in the private sector. She began her career in 1995 as a Staff Accountant, eventually became Audit Manager, and now serves as the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer at the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC). Her experience includes planning, performing, and supervising audits for clients in various industries. She has reviewed client engagements, workpapers, financial statements, and disclosures in accordance with GAAP.
Additionally, she has prepared financial analyses and consulted on business planning, internal control procedures, software selection, payroll, financing, and tax planning/savings strategies using pensions, estate planning, and other financial vehicles. She also served as an adjunct faculty instructor at Ocean County College from 2002-2003.
At SJPC, Ms. McLaughlin collaborates closely with the leadership and department directors to achieve corporate strategies and goals for growth, cost savings, and efficiency. She oversees all aspects of the financial process and has implemented new financial software, IT systems with managed service providers, and HRIS, payroll, and timekeeping systems, all of which have improved Port processes.
Ms. McLaughlin is a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA), the Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and serves on the Financial Committee for the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
Ms. McLaughlin received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Rowan University and an MBA from Georgian Court University.