Alexandra McCann, Executive Director

Alexandra “Alex” McCann is the Executive Director of ONSIDE and an advocate for an inclusive and innovative economy.

Previous to this role, Alexandra was the Chief Operating Officer for Dockside Investco, a Nova Scotia-based portfolio management company; as well as the CEO for Baie Run Pet Products, a natural products start-up, focused on pet wellness including, omega3s and supplements sold in the U.S. and Canada. She is a co-founder of Sun Under the Sea Nutrition, dairy-free marine collagen creamer company. In addition, Alexandra has been an Investment Attraction lead for Invest Nova Scotia (formerly NSBI) covering clean tech, ocean tech, life sciences, as well as bioresources, agri-foods and seafoods. She has also held positions with the Export-Import Bank of the U.S. (Ex-Im Bank) in Asset Management, as well as the Office of Renewable Energy & Environmental Exports, focused on global infrastructure, structured and project finance. 

Alexandra McCann holds an MA in Pacific Asian Studies from the University of London, School of Oriental African Studies (SOAS) and a double BA from the University of Virginia in Asian Studies and Anthropology. Alex is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and a former member of the Board of Governors at the University of Kings College. Alex recently concluded her tenor as Secretary and Treasurer of the Inspirit Foundation—which promotes an inclusive and pluralistic Canada—and was chair of the Finance Impact Investment Committee. She sat on the advisory board for SEATAC, an applied research and innovation centre for the ocean technology sector, and the steering committee for the Black Startup Project with the Tribe Network.

Alex is obsessed with saving handwriting, enjoys travel, politics, and sampling all of Nova Scotia’s culinary delights! She is also host of the ONSIDE Podcast.

The Walrus Talks:  https://youtu.be/T_7J1Vegxw0