Agenda
This year's agenda includes eight track themes which was carefully selected for its relevance to the challenges and opportunities facing the ports industry today. With a diverse range of topics, there's something valuable for every member of your team.
Click on the button below to see the most up-to-date agenda.
Track Themes
Finance & Administration
Port finance leaders are navigating rising costs, funding gaps, and ESG pressures. From securing capital to budgeting for talent and cyber resilience, finance is central to strategic port success.
Infrastructure Modernization
Ports must modernize aging infrastructure to handle larger vessels, shifting trade routes, and climate demands. Investing in automation and green tech is now essential for staying competitive and future-ready.
Spotlight on Canada
With bold investments, sustainability leadership, and evolving trade roles, Canada is emerging as a global gateway. This track explores Canadian innovation and cross-border collaboration shaping the future.
Labor Relations & Workforce
As ports adopt automation and green tech, skilled labor and strong workforce relations are more vital than ever. This track focuses on upskilling, recruitment, and preventing disruptions through collaboration.
Supply Chain & Logistics
Ports are redefining logistics amid trade volatility and rising expectations for speed and visibility. The focus: building resilient, tech-enabled supply chains through collaboration and inland connectivity.
AI, Cybersecurity & Technology
Digital transformation is reshaping port operations, from AI-driven efficiency to cybersecurity defense. Investing in smart, secure tech is critical to innovation and protecting mission-critical systems.
Energy & Resilience
As ports face rising energy costs, extreme weather events, and stricter emissions regulations, resilience and sustainability are more critical than ever. This track explores how ports are investing in clean energy, grid reliability, climate adaptation, and future-ready infrastructure to reduce risk, lower emissions, and ensure operational continuity.
Environment & Community Stewardship
Strong local engagement is critical to port growth and project success. This track explores how ports are addressing community concerns—like air quality, noise, and jobs—to build trust and secure long-term license to operate.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Description
Katherine Tai served as the 19th United States Trade Representative. As a member of President Biden’s cabinet, Ambassador Tai was the principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on U.S. trade policy from 2021 to 2025. Ambassador Tai brings an unparalleled blend of deep expertise and pragmatic insight to her presentations, offering audiences fresh perspectives on global trade dynamics and policy challenges.
Her unanimous 98-0 confirmation by the United States Senate reflects the bipartisan collaboration and trust she has built throughout her career. As Chief Trade Counsel and Trade Subcommittee Staff Director for the House Ways and Means Committee, she played a pivotal role in negotiations between Congressional Democrats and the Trump administration, paving the way for the historic ratification of the United-States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in 2020.
Ambassador Tai is also an experienced World Trade Organization (WTO) litigator. She previously developed and tried cases for the Office of the United States Trade Representative, eventually becoming Chief Counsel for China Trade Enforcement in 2011. She has also practiced law in the private sector, clerked for federal district judges, and taught English in Guangzhou, China.
Katherine Tai earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Fluent in Mandarin, she leverages her experiences in the White House, extensive policy knowledge, and legal acumen to deliver compelling, thought-provoking presentations that inform audiences.
Distinguished Speakers
Description
Cary is President and CEO of AAPA and also serves as General Counsel. He joined the association in 2019 and served as head of Government Relations. He tells the story of seaports and their workers when the President and Congress make decisions on infrastructure, transportation, trade, and security.
Prior, Cary served in the Federal Government as a Presidential and Congressional appointee for international trade and security.
He has appeared in the New York Times, the BBC, Politico, and Bloomberg to discuss supply chains and economics. He has written and passed legislation on infrastructure for climate change and international trade. His work has been featured in The Drudge Report, CNN, Newsweek, Breitbart, and Zero Hedge.
Cary serves on the board of the Propeller Club of Washington, D.C. and was nominated CEO Update Lobbyist of the Year in 2021 for his work to address supply chain disruptions from the pandemic.
He received his J.D. and Masters from the University of Pennsylvania and his B.S. from Pitt, spending his early years in his beloved home state of Pennsylvania.
Description
Ms. Farman, a lawyer and member of the Barreau du Québec since 2003, has been on the Port of Québec's Board of Directors since June 2020 and its Vice-Chair since July 17 of the same year. As managing partner of the Québec City office of Norton Rose Fulbright Canada, Olga Farman has had a remarkable career path marked by exceptional involvement in the business, philanthropy and community sectors. She also sits on the boards of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Beneva (insurance and financial services) and the Fondation du Musée de la Civilisation in Québec.
Description
Chett Chiasson is the Executive Director of the Greater Lafourche Port Commission (GLPC), which runs Port Fourchon and the South Lafourche Leonard Miller, Jr. Airport.
Chett’s experience at the Port Commission over the past 17 years includes the marketing and leasing of port and airport properties as well as grant writing, management, and disaster recovery. His battle-tested leadership saw Port Fourchon through the aftermath of a direct hit from 2021’s Hurricane Ida, highlighting the port’s resilience and strength by opening for business within nine days of landfall.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Description
Jason Hodge, a second-generation Oxnard native, is not only Port of Hueneme Commissioner but a local firefighter who strongly believes the Port of Hueneme is a vital but often underutilized asset of the local economy. Hodge is striving to change this by invigorating the Port of Hueneme/Oxnard Harbor District and focusing on environmental stewardship, economic opportunities, local job creation, and safety. To achieve this goal, he is bringing together community leaders and stakeholders from the private and public sectors.
Trained in fire protection, water rescue, terrorism and hazardous materials emergencies and major disaster management, Commissioner Hodge brings expertise in emergency logistics and emergency response. He has assisted in managing disasters with costs exceeding $100 million and is committed to keeping the community and environment safe.
Commissioner Hodge has collaborated with Port Commissioners throughout the state to develop best environmental practices and decrease the port’s environmental footprint while increasing economic output.
Commissioner Hodge worked closely with his fellow Board members in transitioning the Port to shoreside power, helping to dramatically reduce pollution and noise. He also has initiated joint cooperation with local governments to create smart traffic solutions addressing congestion without reducing port capacity.
Hodge is the recipient of the prestigious New Leaders Council’s “40 under 40” Leadership Award beating out hundreds of nominees across the U.S. Hodge, a lifelong surfer, has caught waves from Point Conception to Malibu. He holds a B.A. in Political Science.
Description
Commissioner Max Vekich was nominated by President Biden on June 24, 2021, and again on January 4, 2022, to a term expiring on June 30, 2026. The United States Senate confirmed his nomination on February 10, 2022, and he was sworn into office on February 15, 2022. Commissioner Vekich was previously a longshoreman and union official with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union. He served as a Member of the Labor Relations Committee for ILWU Local 52, as President of the ILWU Local 52, and on the International Executive Board. Between 1983 and 1991, Commissioner Vekich served in the Washington State House of Representatives representing the 35th Legislative District. He also served as a Commissioner on the Washington State Maritime Bicentennial and the Governor’s Industry Safety Board. Commissioner Vekich has earned numerous recognitions for his work, legislative, and community service. Commissioner Vekich earned his A.A. from Grays Harbor Community College and his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Puget Sound. He has been married to Marcee Stone-Vekich since 2012 and survives his first wife, Ivy Frost Vekich, who died of breast cancer in 1995. Commissioner Vekich is the father of two children and one stepchild.
Description
Susan Shey Dvonch is Managing Partner of Shey-Harding Executive Search, a transportation industry recruitment firm established in 1990 and based in Seal Beach, California. Since joining the firm in 2003, she has executed numerous searches at the C- level for companies throughout the U.S. The firms’ clients include port authorities, ocean shipping companies, marine terminal operators and other firms related to ocean transportation.
Susan received a bachelor’s degree from Boston College in 1987. She spent her early career years as a university admission professional. She is currently serving a third term as President of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Propeller Club, serves on the board of the International Seafarer’s Center of LA/Long Beach, and is active in the American Association of Port Authorities and Association of Pacific Ports. She is a regular contributor to the Journal of Commerce Annual Review and Outlook issue.
Description
Sean Pierce, the new CEO of LOGISTEC since January 2024, is a dynamic and accomplished leader driving the company’s strategic vision and growth. With a proven track record in the industry, Sean brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. Prior to joining LOGISTEC, Sean held prominent executive positions in leading logistics companies, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to success. His deep understanding of the industry, coupled with his innovative mindset, has consistently propelled organizations to achieve remarkable results. Mr. Pierce has a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing from Washington State University, and an Executive Juris Doctor Degree from Concord Law School and is a private pilot.
Description
John Wolfe is chief executive officer of The Northwest Seaport Alliance. He sets the organization’s vision and strategy and guides the NWSA’s unique customer-focused culture.
Wolfe previously served as the CEO of the Port of Tacoma, a position he was named to in 2010.
Prior to joining the Port of Tacoma, Wolfe served for two years as the executive director of the Port of Olympia, and before that as Olympia’s director of operation and marine terminal general manager.
Wolfe also spent 10 years with Maersk Sealand/APM Terminal in Tacoma, most recently as the terminal’s operations manager.
He is on the boards of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), Federal Reserve Bank San Francisco Seattle Branch, the Washington State Fair Board, Federal Maritime Commission’s Export Innovation Team and Washington Public Ports Association Trade and Transportation Committee.
Wolfe earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Pacific Lutheran University.
Description
With more than a decade of experience in media, marketing, public relations, and development, Amy brings a strong background in strategic communications. Prior to her current position, she worked in fundraising and external relations. Her professional expertise includes public relations, marketing, copywriting and editing, web content management and posting, and social media. She also has working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and other desktop publishing programs. A former journalist, Amy has honed the ability to connect with people, gather information, and communicate it clearly and concisely. Her educational background is in strategic communications, journalism, public relations, and advertising.
In addition to her communications work, Amy is a Yoga Alliance 200-hour certified yoga teacher, with an emphasis on restorative alignment.
Description
A graduate of Université Laval, Pierre-Luc Gosselin has a master’s degree in economics. After a few years of teaching at the college level, he joined the Quebec Port Authority in 2011 as an economist. Over the years, his mandates have mainly involved business development, special projects and business intelligence. He is now Director of Business Intelligence and Innovation. He oversees innovation mandates that involve data and represents the port within the ecosystem. His team launched the Lighthouse innovation Lab in 2024 and is putting in place a strong program of innovation at the Port to support the mergence of new solutions and to support the ecosystem.
Description
Phyllis Saathoff is an accomplished executive with 25 years of service in the port industry. With a strong accounting and finance background combined with her operational leadership, Phyllis brings a proven track record to Port Freeport. Saathoff began her maritime career at Port Freeport in 1992. She served as Managing Director, and then in April 2012, became the Interim Executive Port Director/CEO before joining the Port of Houston Authority in October 2012. Saathoff served in various capacities during her tenure at the Port of Houston Authority including, Chief People Officer and Deputy Executive Director of Corporate Affairs, she was responsible for public affairs, strategic planning, channel development, freight mobility and environmental affairs. Saathoff returned to Port Freeport in April 2016 as the Chief Executive Officer. During her prior tenure at Port Freeport, Saathoff was successful in obtaining U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit to deepen the Freeport Harbor Channel to 55 feet, and in financing and initiating the development of the Port’s first container terminal. Saathoff received the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for 21 consecutive years
Description
Lead Subject Matter on Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure, with focused expertise in off-highway construction and cargo handling equipment fleet transition to battery electric. Developed charging products and deploying infrastructure while previously working at Tesla, Proterra, and Arrival. Previously David was employed at Proterra, a battery company, where he worked closely with Taylor Machine Works and other port equipment OEMs, to develop battery configurations for electric cargo handling equipment and trucks at Ports.
Description
Yaremi Farinas was named the port’s Public Information Officer in June 2019. She is a seasoned professional with a passion for effective communication and community engagement.
She came to the Port of Palm Beach with more than nine years of experience in television news. The former broadcast reporter covered news stories all over the sunshine state and in Oklahoma. Her most recent reporting gig was at the local CBS affiliate in West Palm Beach. In November 2018, Yaremi earned an Suncoast Chapter Emmy Award for her reports in Puerto Rico just four months after Hurricane Maria devastated the island.
Farinas understands the importance of maintaining an open communication with the port’s stakeholders, the public and the media.
Farinas is a 2010 graduate of Florida International University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications. She currently serves as a Board of Director for a local non-profit called The Children's Healing Institute.
Description
Rodger Rees, Galveston Wharves Port Director and CEO, oversees the fourth most popular cruise port in North America, located on one of the nation’s top 40 cargo waterways. This self-sustaining city entity generates more than 14,000 jobs and has an estimated annual state economic impact of $2.1 billion.
Since Rees took the helm in January 2018, the Port of Galveston has grown its business, increased revenues 79 percent, developed and implemented a 20-Year Strategic Master Plan, and executed public-private partnerships to build two new cruise terminals. A $125 million cruise terminal, in partnership with Royal Caribbean International, opened in 2022. A fourth terminal to serve MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line will open in 2025.
The port also was awarded $42.3 million in state grants in 2023, the largest grant amount in the port’s history, to fund critical cargo and transportation projects. The port is leveraging the state grant and cruise revenues to fund a phased $90 million cargo infrastructure improvement project beginning in mid-2024. In 2023 and 2024, Rees successfully guided the port through over $210 million in municipal bond financings.
The Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce honored Rees as its 2022 Galvestonian of the Year for positively contributing to the betterment of the region’s business community. In addition, the Houston Business Journal named Rees one of the most admired CEOs in the Houston metroplex in 2023. Rees serves on the board of directors of the Texas Department of Transportation Port Authority Advisory Committee, as well as the Upper Texas board member of the Texas Ports Association.
Rees previously served as deputy executive director and chief financial officer for Port Canaveral, the world’s second busiest cruise port.
Rees spent his early years in Tennessee and is a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. In addition, he is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the state of Georgia, with over 25 years of executive management in private and public arenas. Rodger and his wife, Luci, have two sons at Ball High School in Galveston.
Description
Susan Gardner is the Vice President of Operations at the Georgia Port Authority. She joined the GPA in February of 2020 after nearly 25 years of maritime experience. In her role at the GPA, she is responsible for the GPA operations and equipment maintenance in Savannah, Brunswick, and all inland operations. With a team of around 1300 people, she ensures the safe and efficient daily operations, while also being involved in the numerous redevelopment projects that the GPA is working on to expand capacity. Prior to joining the GPA, she was the VP of Field Operations for the Americas for Navis where her team was responsible for the sale and successful implementation of all Navis projects in the Americas region. She gained terminal operations experience and knowledge in the nearly 18 years she worked for APM Terminals with various leadership roles at several terminals in North America including Norfolk, New Jersey, Charleston, and Tacoma. She received her BS from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in NY and her MBA from Queens University in Charlotte NC.
Description
30+ years as a marketing/advertising/communications program developer, creative writer & executive level project manager. Leads teams in the development of sound, creative ROI programs that span the entire marketing mix including traditional mktg/adv/pr/sales promotional channels and web based, digital, social media and data driven channels & techniques. Career experience also includes a many functions on both client and agency sides of the desk and in a diverse assortment of product and service categories.
Skill sets include the development of marketing strategy & growth planning, channel integration, translation to creative brand & communications strategies and leading teams through implementation. Presentation and proactive communications, strategy sessions, relationship building and problem solving are at the heart of my skill set. Niche sectors include but not limited to all corporate/brand image, insurance & financial services, general retail & retail specialty, economic development & tourism, hotel & resort, transportation, franchise organizations and real estate.
Description
Big picture community and environmental planner who specializes in growth and land use issues in the coastal zone. Lead for decarbonization at Port Corpus Christi, the leading energy export gateway in the US
Description
As PortMiami’s Acting Assistant Director of the Capital Development Division, Helga Sommer presently oversees the design and construction of a $4.3-billion Capital Improvement Program, coordinating a diverse team of engineers, architects, construction managers, consultants, and project controls specialists to deliver an aggressive program of capital improvements. Her division’s current projects include: Cruise terminal construction and upgrades for multiple stakeholders, Cargo yard improvements (eRTGs, drainage, etc.), Major roadway projects, Replacement/ realignment/improvement of bulkheads, Shore power, and Numerous ancillary infrastructure improvements. A Professional Engineer in the State of Florida and Envision Sustainability Professional (ENVSP), Ms. Sommer possesses over 26 years of engineering experience in both the public and private sectors. Her active membership in the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) includes earning the AAPA Professional Port Manager certification (PPM). Before stepping into the role of Acting Assistant Director, Ms. Sommer had been the Chief Port Engineer at PortMiami, leading the Engineering and Project Controls sections of the Capital Development Division. A native of Miami, Florida, Ms. Sommer earned her Master of Science in Civil (Structural) Engineering and Bachelors of Science in both Civil and Architectural Engineering from the University of Miami.
Description
William A. ‘Bill’ Hamlin has spent 40 years in the maritime industry across container shipping, terminal and intermodal operations, and cruise. Bill has served as President Americas for APL; President, Eagle Marine Services; EVP Fleet Operations for Norwegian Cruise Lines; COO for Horizon Lines; COO ITS for Conglobal, and various senior management positions at Sea-Land Service and United States Lines both domestically and international. He is a founding partner of Gray Wolf Group LLC which is a consultancy and advisory firm and was a partner at JMH Group, a consultancy and government advocacy firm. He also worked with Outrider on the development of autonomous vehicle technology and is an advisor to several start-up companies in sustainability. Bill served on the Board of the Pacific Maritime Association and was chair of the IANA Operations Committee. Bill, a graduate of the University of Maine, resides in Moraga, California.
Description
Joseph C. Powell serves as the Director of Security for Port Pascagoula. Since 2022, he has led major safety, security, environmental, and strategic initiatives at the port. He developed and implemented the port’s Maritime Cybersecurity Program, earning the prestigious 2024 Lighthouse Award from the American Association of Port Authorities for Best Practices in Cybersecurity.
Joseph also spearheaded the port’s successful Green Marine certification, demonstrating leadership in advancing environmental sustainability within port operations. He led a comprehensive nine-month strategic planning process, the first of its kind in 15 years, in order to craft a robust plan to guide the port's long-term growth.
As the primary liaison for workforce development, Joseph represents the port in national and regional programs such as "We Work The Waterways", "GenSea,", and the port's own Maritime Awareness Program,” which works to promote maritime careers and industry education. He has also collaborated with the Department of Homeland Security and CISA to assess and improve port cybersecurity infrastructure.
A certified Maritime Port Executive, Joseph combines operational leadership, regulatory expertise, and a passion for continuous improvement to ensure Port Pascagoula remains secure, sustainable, and future-ready.
From 2007 - 2022, Joseph C. Powell served as Director of Compliance at Maritime Defense Strategy LLC, where he led safety, security, and regulatory operations for maritime facilities across the country. In this role, Powell became a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies, designing customized plans to ensure compliance with the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA), the Oil Pollution Act (OPA 90), and evolving federal cybersecurity regulations.
Description
Master of Public Health professional with 9 years of public health experience. Skills and capabilities in the areas of project management, coalition building, community based participatory research, health policy and advocacy, youth program development, and crisis management.
Description
Matthew Wenham is the Chief of Engineering & Capital Development for the Port of Cleveland. With a background in civil engineering, infrastructure planning, and construction management, Matt has 27 years of experience in professional practice as an engineer. He is a licensed professional engineer in numerous states. Matt is passionate about sustainable transportation, sustainable construction and decarbonization of our planet, and has contributed to numerous sustainable projects in the aviation industry in past roles. He is currently leading the Port of Cleveland’s implementation of Climate Action Plan through their Electrification & Warehouse A Modernization project. He earned a degree in civil engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching his sons soccer team, gardening, and watching numerous sports.
Description
Daniel graduated in physics, mechanical engineering and operations research at Université de Montréal and École Polytechnique de Montréal, 1992. He has been overseeing R&D projects at TC since 2008 for all modes of transportation.
Description
Ralf Nielsen, Business Development Manager – Americas, PowerCon
Ralf has been with PowerCon for 4 years and has spearheaded the company’s efforts across the Americas since joining in 2021, including leading the team that secured a major project in Miami. While supporting projects as a local project manager, Ralf’s primary role is business development and running the local subsidiary, PowerCon USA Inc. A native of Denmark, Ralf brings over 8 years of sales experience in the U.S. maritime industry and a strong passion for expanding shore power and advancing maritime decarbonization more broadly.
Description
AJ’s experience incorporates strong organizational leadership, deep community engagement and partnerships with multi-cultural stakeholders, grants management, equity work at public agencies in addition to government relations and policy development. Prior to the Port he served as Executive Director at SeaTac based non-profit Global to Local working with immigrant and refugee communities where he cultivated relationships throughout South King County. His previous roles include serving as the External Relations and Community Engagement Manager at Seattle King County Public Health and working at the King County Council. He has a B.A. from the University of Washington and is a Sr. Executive Institute Graduate of the University of Virginia Business School
Description
Simon Betsalel is a capital project manager at the Port of San Francisco. He leads the Port’s offshore wind effort, is managing the landside scope for electrifying the SF Bay Ferry fleet, and advocates for the Port’s natural shoreline. Prior to joining the Port, Simon worked for the New York City Economic Development Corporation, managing projects for the NYC Ferry system and the New York City waterfront. Into birds and gardens, he sees capital projects as an opportunity to build and strengthen communities, human and natural alike.
Description
Luis Ajamil is Principal of Bermello, Ajamil & Partners a Woolpert Company the leading port, waterfront planning and cruise design firm. The firm based in Miami with offices and projects throughout the world.
The firm assists ports and cruise lines with a a full range of services including market studies, financial forecasting, business plans, asset management systems and management studies.
The firm is also the leading designer of terminals including Royals’ Terminal A and NCL’s Terminal B in Miami, Celebrity’s Terminal 25 and Disney’s Terminal 2 in Port Everglades, Long Beach Terminal expansion, Pier 66 in Seattle, Carnival’s Terminal 3 in Canaveral, and in Galveston Royals’ terminal and is designing the new MSC Terminal. The firm also has planned and designed island destinations for Disney, NCL, Carnival, and MSC.
The firm also publishes a regular cruise bulleting which provides insight and information on the industry that is highly regarded and useful to ports.
Description
Tracks legislative and regulatory issues; lobbies members of Congress on bills of interest to industry; works with Administration, Congress, Federal Agencies on port issues; produces Advocacy Updates newsletter; serve as staff liaisons to the Environment; Engineering, Construction and Maintenance; Harbors & Navigation; and Security Committees.
Description
Clyde Roark serves as a Cybersecurity Advisor (CSA) for Region 4 of the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). In this role, he coordinates CISA's efforts to reduce risk and enhance the cyber resiliency of critical infrastructure throughout the eight southeastern states (AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC and TN) with a focus on the gulf-coast. He works with public sector partners, such as state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as private-sector organizations essential to the nation's cirtical infrastructure.
Description
Mr. Bernard Gaudreault is a leader in asset management with over 20 years of experience, having led large-scale projects in both public and private sectors. In 2016, he became the first Canadian elected to the Institute of Asset Management (IAM) Council in the UK and co-founded the IAM Canadian Chapter. Bernard holds an Executive Education Management Program from Harvard Business School and a BBA from Laval University. He is a registered Asset Management Professional (APM), Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and IAM Diploma holder. Bernard is bilingual and contributes to the field of AM through his roles in the IAM as a board member and as a speaker at international conferences.
Description
Rahmel Wattley is the founder of Truck N' Hustle, the fastest-growing network for transportation and logistics (T&L) professionals. Through high‑quality, engaging media—podcasts, videos, blogs, and social media—he connects and empowers T&L professionals by delivering valuable insights, opportunities, and inspiration. Since launching in 2019, the Truck N’ Hustle podcast has evolved into the largest and most popular show within the T&L genre, drawing thousands of weekly listeners and hosting influential industry guests.
In 2022, he introduced the inaugural FreightFest conference under the Truck N’ Hustle banner. The event attracted hundreds of attendees and speakers from across the T&L sector and was hailed as a success for its vibrant opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration.
Description
David D'Amboise arrived at the Port of Montreal in 2018 as Director of Infrastructure Management and has been appointed Vice-President, Asset Management and Port Logistics in 2022. In 2024, he was promoted Chief Operations Officer.A mechanical engineer with two decades of experience leading multidisciplinary teams in the energy, construction and consulting sectors, David D'Amboise is results-oriented and recognized for his leadership, commitment, communication skills and constant quest for continuous improvement, as well as for his ability to coach and develop top-performing teams. Prior to joining the MPA, he was Director of New Construction and Network Improvement at Energir from 2006 to 2018, and Project Manager in Energy and Building Mechanics at Dessau-Soprin from 2001 to 2006.
Description
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.