Meet the people who power Clear Seas

“I’m fascinated by the ships that bring cargo to Canadians for their use and the vital trade links we have. My ‘why’ is to help manage Clear Seas’ finances and ensure that we follow and meet the rules and regulations that govern us.”

With Clear Seas since November 2016, Andrea brings extensive experience as an Office Manager, Assistant Accountant, Executive Assistant employed in a range of large international corporations in India, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen, and Canada. This includes working with a cross-section of organizations from oil and gas, government, hospitality, information technology, legal and accounting firms, to a national airline, providing support to senior executives including Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers and Presidents. Her wide-ranging experience, keen eye for detail, comprehensive understanding of financial affairs ensures that her work meets the highest standards offering a superior level of assurance to leadership, stakeholders and public alike. This helps Clear Seas meet its financial reporting requirements and contributes to a successful, well-managed organization.

“I have always been fascinated by ports, and I enjoy exploring the world of marine shipping from coast to coast to coast. I am passionate about understanding the full impacts of marine shipping – economic, environmental, health, social, and cultural – and working to find a balance between all of them.” 

Clara comes from a multidisciplinary background in geography, public health, and psychology, with extensive experience in research and data analysis and an overarching focus on health- and social-equity. Clara contributes to the research program in many ways, including scoping and leading research projects, managing a multi-year project with academic partners, GIS mapmaking and data visualization, and mentoring student researchers in the Indigenous internship program. Clara is based in Montreal and enjoys supporting Clear Seas’ activities in Quebec. She holds a B.A. (Honours, Psychology and French) from Bryn Mawr College and an M.A. (Geography) from McGill University.  

Eitan is eager to bring his skills and experience in data analysis to the Clear Seas team. He is currently pursuing a B.Sc. at UBC for Computational Intelligence and Design, with a focus on Computer Science. Eitan is based in Vancouver, on the shared, unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.

“I believe that accessible data empowers communities to make informed policy decisions about the issues most important to them. I see my role as part technical analyst and part translator, committed to uncovering insights and sharing them in ways that inform and engage the public.”

Lee brings experience in consulting, government, and diplomacy, with work spanning Canada and Southeast Asia. He holds a master’s degree in political science from the University of British Columbia, where his research focused on how climate change is reshaping northern economies, including shipping. At Clear Seas, Lee is dedicated to combining technical research with clear communication, and to advancing reconciliation through respectful collaboration and knowledge sharing. He is based in Tio’tià:ke (Montreal).

“Each person in Canada is touched by marine shipping in a multitude of often unseen ways – from the goods we buy to the air we breathe. Marine shipping is part of a fascinating system facing complex challenges; many different perspectives and knowledge systems need to work together to solve them. I work with Clear Seas to clarify issues and make connections among people and ideas.”

Meghan joined Clear Seas in 2016 to establish the organization’s collaborative and innovative research program. Since 2020, her priorities include developing cross-sector relationships, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and directing strategy. With a background in science and technical communications, Meghan shares complex information in an accessible way to support better decision-making. With Clear Seas, she has had the opportunity to work on a range of issues affecting commercial marine shipping in Canada, including vessel traffic patterns, drift rates, emergency towing, coastal sensitivities, air emissions, and alternative marine fuels. Prior to Clear Seas, Meghan supported port and terminal engineering work through risk assessment and stakeholder engagement. Meghan has a BA (English) and MBA from the University of British Columbia.

Paul leads the team at Clear Seas as they work to advance the safety and sustainability of marine shipping. Before joining the organization in 2020, he worked in a variety of industry roles including supply chain, product development and strategy positions for Westport Innovations and Rolls Royce. Through his consulting work, he has specialized in the impact of technology on the transportation sector and building innovation clusters through university research. He holds a PhD in engineering science from the University of Oxford.

Sarah Thomas is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation. Through her role at Clear Seas, she links a western communicator’s lens to her traditional knowledge of relationships and oral history through storytelling. Sarah holds several leadership roles in the community and volunteers her time with various boards and committees, including the Board of Governors for Capilano University, as a trustee for the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Sarah was selected as co-chair for her study group in the 2022 Governor General Leadership Conference with 250 other leaders from across Canada. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies from Capilano University and an MBA with a focus on Indigenous Business and Leadership from Simon Fraser University.

“In my work, I am guided by a quote from Cree lawyer and activist, Sharon Venne: ‘The healing of our communities, of our relationships with each other, and with all of creation, will not happen until we begin to listen and learn from one another, and until we are willing to walk together on a path of understanding and respect.’”

Stephanie is a member of the Sapotaweyak Cree Nation living on the unceded traditional territories of the Kwikwetlem, Musqueam, Squamish, Stó:lō and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. With an arts degree from UBC in Anthropology and History, a Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Management Studies from Thompson Rivers University and a career in government, private and not-for-profit sectors, Stephanie brings a unique combination of academic knowledge and practical skills to her work. As a Program Lead for the Indigenous Career Pivot Program at Clear Seas, Stephanie is dedicated to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations between Indigenous communities and organizations. Through Clear Seas’ Indigenous Career Pivot Program and Indigenous Internship Program, she has played a key role in providing pathways into the Marine Industry for Indigenous peoples.

Dr. Chircop is a professor in maritime law and policy at Dalhousie University. His principal areas of research are in Canadian maritime law, international maritime law, and international law of the sea. His research focuses on the international regulation of marine shipping in polar regions, especially in the Arctic. He is Chair of the Comité Maritime International’s International Working Group on Polar Shipping. His previous positions include directorships of the Marine and Environmental Law Institute, Marine Affairs Program, International Ocean Institute, and the Mediterranean Institute at the University of Malta. Dr. Chircop was also the Canadian Chair in Marine Environment Protection at the International Maritime Organization’s World Maritime University in Malmö, Sweden. Dr. Chircop has published extensively in Canada and overseas.

Alexa is VP Government, External and Environmental Affairs at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority where she is responsible for providing leadership and strategic oversight of government, Indigenous and stakeholder relations as well as internal and external communication activities. She is also responsible for the port authority’s environmental stewardship and project review programs.

She brings 20 years of experience providing guidance to C-Suite executives, developing integrated strategies and building GR, public affairs and sustainability functions and teams across Canada’s leading resource and tech companies. Alexa previously served in leadership roles at Teck, TELUS, the BC Council of Forest Industries and BC Lumber Trade Council and New Economy Canada. In these roles she delivered transformational policy, communications and partnership solutions to support business and partners’ investment, permitting, innovation, procurement, trade, transportation, infrastructure, Indigenous reconciliation and sustainability priorities. She has also worked as a consultant for NATIONAL Public Relations in Vancouver and Summa Strategies in Ottawa.

Alexa is a Member of the Board of Family Services of Greater Vancouver and Vice Chair or North Shore Neighbourhood House. She has previously served on BC Premier David Eby’s Taskforce on Economic Security and Trade, as Member of the Board of the Digital Technology Supercluster, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and US Mining Association, and as a Member of the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining Governance Team. She holds a MSc in Politics and Communications from the London School of Economics and a BAH in Political Science from Queen’s. In 2021, she was recognized as one of Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40. She is an alumnus of the 2017 Governor General’s Canadian Leadership Conference. Born and raised in New Brunswick and Ottawa, Alexa is a proud and passionate pan-Canadian with deep roots from coast to coast.

Anthony Teo brings more than 20 years’ experience in maritime vessel project management, business development and strategic innovation to his role as Head of Americas for RightShip. RightShip is the world’s leading Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) focused digital maritime platform, providing expertise in global safety, sustainability and social responsibility practices.

After completing a Naval Architecture (Hons) degree at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Mr. Teo spent 19 years at Det Norske Veritas Germanischer Lloyd (DNV – GL). During that time, he held several positions around the world, including fleet service surveying in Singapore, LNG new-build project management in Korea, Head of Department for offshore new-build and conversion in Singapore, and in Houston as the LNG and Technology Business Development Director. Mr. Teo joined RightShip in 2021 as Vice President Americas in its Houston office.

Chris Hall is a marine and shipping executive with more than 30 years of experience in seagoing operations, commercial shipping, port management, and industry leadership. This career has given him a broad understanding of the marine transportation sector’s operational, commercial, regulatory, and environmental dimensions.

A Master Mariner and Canadian Coast Guard College graduate with a degree in Nautical Sciences, Chris began his career at sea aboard vessels ranging from Canadian Arctic icebreakers to offshore supply vessels in the Gulf of Mexico. Over the past two decades, he has held senior operational, commercial, and executive roles with Canadian shipping companies and a port authority, overseeing marine and shipping operations in Canada and internationally.

Chris is President and CEO of the Shipping Federation of Canada, the national association representing owners, operators, and agents of international ships serving Canada’s import and export trades. He works with industry stakeholders and government on marine transportation priorities, including safety, environmental sustainability, regulatory policy, and the efficiency and competitiveness of Canada’s marine transportation system.

With extensive experience at sea and ashore, Chris brings a practical, industry-wide perspective to advancing safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible shipping.

Jane Weldon recently retired as the Executive Head of the Oceans Protection Plan at Transport Canada, where she served for several years. Previously, she was Director-General of Canada’s Marine Safety and Security and led the development of many government initiatives aimed at addressing key marine environmental issues, including the protection of North Atlantic right whales and the prevention of damage from flooding in Quebec and Ontario.

Throughout her career, Jane Weldon collaborated extensively with industry members, academia, the non-profit sector, and other international colleagues to develop and implement Canadian marine policies and regulatory frameworks. She also worked in transportation infrastructure funding, the management of federal ports and airports, social policy, and human resources.

She represented Canada as the Head of Delegation at the International Maritime Organization, was Co-Chair of the Canada-U.S. Maritime Security Committee, and Chair of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan Management Committee.

Jane Weldon is a graduate of the University of Ottawa.

Julie Gelfand is a distinguished fellow at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto with a background in environmental affairs and sustainable development.

Ms. Gelfand is the former federal Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development in the Office of the Auditor General of Canada. She led a historic collaborative audit on climate change with the provincial Auditors Generals as well as audits on subjects such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), toxic substances, biodiversity, and the federal oversight of industrial activities (mining, aquaculture, nuclear energy, pipelines).

Formerly, Ms. Gelfand was the Vice President of Environment and Social Responsibility at Rio Tinto, Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC) where she was a member of the Executive Team and directed all environmental and social responsibility files. Before joining IOC, Ms. Gelfand was Vice President of Sustainable Development at the Mining Association of Canada (MAC) from 2008 to 2011 and President of Nature Canada from 1992 to 2008. At Nature Canada, she led campaigns to establish new National Parks and laws to protect nature (including the federal Species at Risk Act), and founded and chaired the Green Budget Coalition, an alliance of twenty-two national environmental NGOs working to achieve ecological fiscal reform.

Ms. Gelfand has significant experience sitting on boards of directors of charitable organizations both nationally and internationally. She is fluent in English and French, is a certified coach, and has an MBA from the University of Ottawa.

Mr. Le Guellec recently retired as the President and General Manager of Desgagnés, where he led the operations of a fleet of 15+ merchant vessels including bulk carriers, tankers, and general cargo vessels. Throughout his career, Mr. Le Guellec worked in the defence, aerospace, and marine transportation industries, and built extensive expertise in the fields of engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain management. He also devoted significant efforts to increasing awareness around shipping safety and environmental protection, notably by sharing best practices and emergency protocols to prevent and mitigate the impact of maritime incidents and accidents.

Mr. Le Guellec is a former member of the Canadian Forces. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada, a Master’s degree in Project Management from the University of Hull, as well as Master’s degree in Aerospace Vehicle Design from the Cranfield Institute of Technology (UK).