Thomas Saunders is Director of Government Affairs for Ports America. Ports America is the largest independent marine terminal operator and stevedore company in North America, providing terminal management services in more than 42 ports and 80 locations. Thomas develops and executes a government affairs strategy for major Ports America sites such as Port Newark Container Terminal (PNCT) and Ports America Chesapeake (Baltimore)

Before joining Ports America in 2017, Thomas most recently worked for Congressman Donald Payne Jr, a Transportation and Infrastructure Committee member, and has over seven years of Capitol Hill experience. In his various roles on Capitol Hill, Thomas achieved favorable policy outcomes through strategic partnerships, relationship building, and stakeholder outreach. He possesses immense institutional knowledge and an intimate understanding of the federal legislative process. His past issue portfolio includes health policy with an emphasis on colorectal cancer, community health centers, men’s health, transportation and port infrastructure, homeland security, labor and workforce development, appropriations, military, and defense. Thomas is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a New Jersey native.