Alexandra McCann

Executive Director at Organization for Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Alexandra “Alex” McCann is the Executive Director of ONSIDE, the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship, a community accelerator empowering rural and underrepresented groups through inclusive innovation-driven entrepreneurship (i+IDE) and collective impact. ONSIDE amplifies disruptive ideas and mobilizes collaboration to turn ideas into impact for a more prosperous and entrepreneurial future in Nova Scotia. She the host of the ONSIDE Podcast, and co-founder of Sun Under the Sea Nutrition, a dairy-free creamer company based in Nova Scotia. 

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. In addition, Alexandra has been an Investment Attraction lead for Nova Scotia Business Inc. (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 member of the Board of Governors at the University of Kings College. Alex is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Inspirit Foundation—which promotes an inclusive and pluralistic Canada—and is chair of the Finance Impact Investment Committee. She sits 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!