SJI Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

SJI has 7 executives leading key functions including operational strategy, financial management, and administrative oversight.

Committed to reliable energy delivery, SJI maintains a focus on sustainable utility services and infrastructure development across the region to ensure long-term value for customers and stakeholders.

Leadership Roles at SJI

  • Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Lathrop Craig
  • Chief Operating Officer - Kyle Nolan
  • Chief Operating Officer & Vice President & Board Member - Brent Lilienthal
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer - Steven Cocchi
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Donna Schempp
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer - Kathleen McEndy
  • Jefe Operativo - Miguel Perez Zacarias
  • Lathrop Craig - Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Lathrop Craig, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at SJI, manages the capital structure and financial reporting processes. Overseeing the fiscal health of the organization, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer directs investment strategies that support infrastructure upgrades and service expansion. This role involves managing investor relations and ensuring transparency in all financial disclosures. Lathrop Craig coordinates with the board to allocate capital toward high-growth energy projects while maintaining a balanced debt profile. By monitoring cash flow and liquidity, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer ensures that the company possesses the resources necessary for long-term operational success. Craig leads the financial planning and analysis team to forecast revenue trends and mitigate economic risks. This leadership position requires deep insight into the regulatory environment of the energy industry. Through disciplined financial management, the Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer secures the capital required to sustain the company's mission of reliable energy delivery.
    Lathrop Craig

    Kyle Nolan - Chief Operating Officer

    Kyle Nolan, the Chief Operating Officer at SJI, directs the daily utility operations and infrastructure maintenance protocols. Managing the technical reliability of natural gas distribution, the Chief Operating Officer ensures compliance with rigorous safety standards across the New Jersey service territory. This leadership role involves optimizing field service efficiency and coordinating emergency response teams to maintain uninterrupted energy supply. By implementing advanced grid monitoring technologies, Kyle Nolan improves system resilience against environmental variables. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with engineering departments to modernize pipeline assets, thereby reducing operational overhead. Through consistent oversight of maintenance schedules, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that all utility infrastructure meets regulatory requirements. This focus on operational excellence supports the broader mission of providing safe, affordable energy to the community. Nolan maintains high performance standards across all field operations, ensuring that the utility remains a reliable provider for the region.

    Brent Lilienthal - Chief Operating Officer & Vice President & Board Member

    Brent Lilienthal, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President & Board Member at SJI, governs the strategic expansion of non-regulated energy services. As a member of the board, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President & Board Member aligns operational growth with long-term corporate governance objectives. This role involves evaluating market opportunities for energy service diversification and managing the integration of new business units into the existing portfolio. Brent Lilienthal oversees the development of sustainable energy projects, ensuring that these initiatives contribute to the overall financial health of the organization. By bridging the gap between executive strategy and operational execution, the Chief Operating Officer & Vice President & Board Member drives innovation in energy delivery models. Lilienthal monitors performance metrics across all non-regulated subsidiaries to ensure alignment with corporate goals. This leadership position requires balancing immediate operational demands with the long-term vision of the board, ultimately securing the competitive position of the company within the energy sector.

    Steven Cocchi - Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer

    Steven Cocchi, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at SJI, manages the enterprise-wide operational efficiency and supply chain logistics. Overseeing the procurement of natural gas resources, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer ensures cost-effective fuel acquisition to stabilize customer rates. This role involves coordinating with regional energy markets to secure supply reliability during peak demand periods. Steven Cocchi directs the implementation of process improvement initiatives that streamline internal workflows and reduce operational waste. By analyzing market trends and consumption patterns, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer optimizes the distribution network to maximize throughput. Cocchi maintains strong relationships with wholesale energy partners, ensuring that the company retains a robust supply chain. This leadership function supports the financial stability of the organization by mitigating risks associated with energy price volatility. Through rigorous data analysis and strategic planning, the Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer ensures that the company meets its service obligations efficiently.
    Steven Cocchi

    Donna Schempp - Chief Administrative Officer

    Donna Schempp, the Chief Administrative Officer at SJI, directs human resources, corporate communications, and internal administrative policies. Overseeing the talent acquisition and development programs, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the workforce possesses the skills required to support complex utility operations. This role involves fostering a corporate culture centered on safety, integrity, and customer service. Donna Schempp manages the internal communication channels to ensure alignment across all departments regarding company objectives. By streamlining administrative processes, the Chief Administrative Officer improves organizational agility and reduces bureaucratic friction. Schempp coordinates with other C-suite leaders to implement policies that enhance employee engagement and retention. This leadership function supports the overall mission by ensuring that the human capital of the organization remains focused on operational excellence. Through the development of robust administrative frameworks, the Chief Administrative Officer provides the foundation for the company to execute its strategic goals effectively and maintain a positive reputation within the industry.
    Donna Schempp

    Kathleen McEndy - Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer

    Kathleen McEndy, the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer at SJI, directs the strategic management of corporate facilities and information technology infrastructure. Overseeing the digital transformation initiatives, the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer ensures that the company utilizes modern technology to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. This role involves managing the security of critical data systems and ensuring compliance with industry-specific cybersecurity standards. Kathleen McEndy coordinates the integration of new software platforms that support customer billing and service management. By optimizing the use of corporate facilities, the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer reduces overhead costs and improves the work environment for the staff. McEndy collaborates with the executive team to align administrative support functions with the long-term growth strategy of the company. This leadership position requires a focus on technological innovation and organizational stability. Through the effective management of administrative and digital assets, the Senior Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer supports the company's commitment to reliable energy services.

    Miguel Perez Zacarias - Jefe Operativo

    Miguel Perez Zacarias, the Jefe Operativo at SJI, manages the technical execution of field projects and maintenance programs. Overseeing the deployment of specialized crews, the Jefe Operativo ensures that all infrastructure projects adhere to strict quality and safety protocols. This role involves coordinating the logistics of equipment and materials to project sites across the service area. Miguel Perez Zacarias monitors the progress of construction and maintenance activities to ensure timely completion of all operational tasks. By implementing lean management techniques, the Jefe Operativo optimizes the use of labor and resources in the field. Zacarias collaborates with engineering teams to resolve technical challenges during the installation of new utility assets. This leadership position requires a focus on field-level efficiency and the continuous improvement of operational workflows. Through direct supervision of field activities, the Jefe Operativo ensures that the company maintains the integrity of its energy distribution network while meeting the needs of the customer base.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding SJI Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads SJI?
    SJI is led by Lathrop Craig (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Kyle Nolan (Chief Operating Officer) and Brent Lilienthal (Chief Operating Officer & Vice President & Board Member).
    Who is part of SJI’s executive team?
    The executive team of SJI includes leaders such as Lathrop Craig (Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Kyle Nolan (Chief Operating Officer), Brent Lilienthal (Chief Operating Officer & Vice President & Board Member) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does SJI have?
    SJI has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in SJI’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of SJI includes roles such as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Vice President & Board Member, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Administrative Officer.