Oceans North Bids Farewell to Executive Director, Welcomes New Leadership Model

June 28, 2024

Oceans North is bidding farewell to former Executive Director Louie Porta today as it transitions to a new leadership structure.

Porta began working with Oceans North 14 years ago, running many successful campaigns that worked in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities to mitigate threats to northern marine ecosystems. In 2019, he became the organization’s first executive director. Under Porta’s leadership, the organization championed a community-first approach to safeguarding our natural spaces and reached numerous significant milestones in ocean conservation.

Porta will continue his work to protect marine species and ecosystems as the new president and CEO of the Atlantic Salmon Federation, a New Brunswick-based organization dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Atlantic salmon.

“We’re deeply grateful to Louie for everything he’s done to make Oceans North the organization it is today, and we wish him the best in his new role,” says Chris Mills, Chair of Oceans North’s Board of Directors.

Oceans North has now transitioned to a new leadership structure. The Executive Leadership team is responsible for providing strategic direction and operational oversight while shaping and executing the organization’s mission. It includes Hilu Tagoona, Senior Arctic Advisor; Dr. Susanna Fuller, Vice-President of Conservation and Projects; Chris Debicki, Vice-President of Policy and Counsel; Debbie Bernhardt, Chief Financial Officer; and Dr. Sheena Kennedy, Vice-President of Communications and Operations and the team’s current Chair.

“As the oceans continue to warm and new threats emerge, this work has never been more important,” Kennedy says. “Oceans North remains committed to our mission to advance marine conservation and climate action in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities.”

For more information, please contact:

Alex Tesar
Communications Manager
Oceans North
[email protected]