Alexandra “Alex” McCann is the Executive Director of ONSIDE, the Organization for Nova Scotia Innovation Driven Entrepreneurship, a not-for-profit backbone organization leveraging collective impact to foster a prosperous Nova Scotia through inclusive innovation-driven entrepreneurship (IDE). Born out of a two-year long engagement with the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program (REAP), ONSIDE aims to convene, connect and catalyze the IDE ecosystem 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 obsessed with saving handwriting, enjoys travel, politics, and sampling all of Nova Scotia’s culinary delights.