HNTB
HNTB on Oct. 6 announced that John Augustine has joined the firm as Vice President and National Practice Consultant where he will advise clients on federal funding options.
With more than 27 years of service at the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), including leadership roles in the Office of Infrastructure Deployment, the Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office and serving on the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Commission, Augustine brings “unparalleled expertise” in federal infrastructure funding, HNTB noted. Throughout his service at USDOT, Augustine oversaw high-impact discretionary grant programs, including the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA), National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega), Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) and Safe Streets and Roads for All.
In his new role at HNTB, “Augustine will lead and continue to grow the firm’s grant support to clients by focusing on the most transformative infrastructure projects across the country. He will guide clients through the intricacies of federal grant programs, help develop competitive applications and manage grant administration.”
“John’s addition strengthens our ability to guide clients through the federal grant process,” said Jim Ray, HNTB Corporate President, Advisory. “His deep understanding of federal funding mechanisms and his strategic vision will be instrumental in helping clients move key infrastructure needs forward.”
Augustine’s addition, the company says, “underscores HNTB’s commitment to delivering innovative, client-focused solutions that drive success in delivering essential infrastructure needs.”
SC Ports
The SC Ports’ Board of Directors on Oct. 6 announced that Micah Mallace has been selected, in a unanimous vote, as the agency’s next President and CEO. Interim President and CEO Phil Padgett will resume his role as Chief Financial Officer.
Mallace assumes leadership of SC Ports after a long and distinguished career in the maritime and logistics industry, including a previous tenure with SC Ports from 2011-2022 where he served in various roles before being named Chief Commercial Officer. Mallace facilitated numerous commercial successes, including attracting Walmart to build a new import distribution center near the Port of Charleston.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as the next President and CEO at SC Ports,” said Mallace. “The port team and South Carolina’s broader maritime community provide port service that is unmatched, and I know, together, we will further strengthen our competitiveness.”
The Board, along with state leaders, reaffirmed their confidence in the selection of Mallace to lead the Port.
“The impact of our Port reaches well beyond the borders of South Carolina,” said Board Chairman Bill Stern. “What we do and how we operate influence global trade and the worldwide economy. Micah Mallace understands that significance and responsibility. He has the vision, experience and nuts-and-bolts knowledge to navigate the many facets of today’s maritime industry. We are extremely fortunate to have secured him as our new President and CEO.”
“I can think of no better person to lead SC Ports and know he will bring the necessary vision to grow as a top ten U.S. container port,” added Padgett.
Mallace will deliver his first State of the Port address on Oct. 28, where he will provide industry updates and lay out his vision for the future of SC Ports.
Prior to his appointment as President and CEO, Mallace served as President of Harbor Logistics, a third-party logistics company specializing in port drayage, warehousing, and transload operations. He is a Charleston native and is married with three children.




