Oceans North has launched a search for a new President and CEO following the decision of Dr. Sheena Kennedy to step down from her leadership role.

Sheena has made immensely valuable contributions since she joined Oceans North in 2018, helping to fuel the organization’s remarkable growth and success. As Executive Director starting in 2025, Sheena provided a calm and steady hand to guide the organization following the departure of Oceans North’s founding Executive Director, Louie Porta.

She brought extensive experience in community-partnered Northern policy to her work, as well as a focus on strategically aligning Oceans North’s multifaceted research, projects, and campaigns.  She treasured the culture of the organization and the contributions made by all of its staff and partners, and created a welcoming, productive working environment.

Sheena’s departure coincides with the release of the Government of Canada’s new Nature Strategy, which includes renewed and expanded Indigenous guardian programs, a roadmap to protect nearly 30 percent of Canada’s waters by 2030, and funding to ratify and implement the High Seas Treaty. This announcement foregrounds the important work that Sheena and the Oceans North team have been involved in—as well as the work that remains to be done.

The board of directors of Oceans North has engaged Boyden Canada to conduct the search for a new President and CEO. Hilu Tagoona, Vice President of Partnerships and Engagement, will take on the role of interim President and CEO until the search process is concluded. Hilu is an experienced leader with strong connections to the North and an extensive background in community development and environmental review processes. We welcome Hilu to this role and thank Sheena for her diligence in assisting with this transition.

During the transition, Oceans North’s programs will continue as usual; the staff and executive team remain committed to our mission of supporting marine conservation and climate action in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities.

On behalf of the board, we wish to thank Dr. Kennedy for all her contributions and commitment to the work of Oceans North.

John Lounds, Co-Chair
Frederick Whoriskey, Co-Chair

For further information contact:

Alex Tesar
Communications Director
[email protected]