- Captain Allan Gray, President & CEO
- Paul MacIsaac, Senior Vice-President
- Greg Baker, Vice-President, Infrastructure and Planning
- Sara Colburne, Vice-President, Strategy and Transformation
- Mike Davie, Vice-President, Operations and Technology
- Susan Malana, Chief Human Resources Officer
Captain Allan Gray
President & CEO
Captain Allan Gray is President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority, a role he assumed in November 2019. Captain Gray leads a dedicated team focused on creating economic benefit for the region through the Port’s core lines of business which are cargo, cruise and real estate. He is focused on advancing digital transformation, decarbonization, and safe, efficient port operations while balancing the needs of community, economics, and the environment.
Captain Gray is an experienced leader and trusted partner in the marine sector. Prior to his role at the Halifax Port Authority, Allan most recently served as the General Manager of Fremantle Ports in Australia. He was previously appointed Harbour Master in September 2008, and was appointed General Manager Port Operations in July 2009 including commercial operations and management of the Port’s bulk business. Prior to coming ashore, Captain Gray’s career at sea spanned over 20 years trading on various vessels from RO-RO, container, bulk, and LPG Tankers.
Throughout his career, Allan has been recognized for his leadership and in 2013 and was awarded life membership for his contribution to raising the profile of the Company of Master Mariners Australia.
Captain Gray currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and is an ex-officio member of the Port Community Liaison Committee in Halifax, a working group which he established to foster collaboration and engagement between the Port and the greater community.
Paul MacIsaac
Senior Vice-President
Paul MacIsaac joined the Halifax Port Authority in September 2005 as Senior Vice-President and has enjoyed a variety of responsibilities over his tenure. Currently, Paul leads our finance, trade, and real estate teams
Prior to joining the Halifax Port Authority, Paul had an extensive career in the private sector in retail operations, commercial real estate and professional advisory services.
Actively involved in his profession and community, Paul is a member of the Board of Governors for Mount Saint Vincent University, Jordan Boyd Foundation Advisor, past Chair of the Nova Scotia Division for the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, and Past-Chair of the ACPA Finance Committee. He has volunteered with a number of local charities and has served as a coach and executive member of various sports associations within his community.
Greg Baker
Vice-President, Infrastructure and Planning
Greg Baker joined the Halifax Port Authority as a Project Engineer in 1994. As the Vice President, Infrastructure and planning, he leads the engineering, maintenance and planning departments. He is responsible for the repair and maintenance of existing physical assets and the budgeting, planning and execution of capital infrastructure projects that support the strategic goals for the Port of Halifax.
Prior to joining the Halifax Port Authority, Mr. Baker worked on a wide range of marine projects throughout Atlantic Canada. He previously worked with Jacques Whitford Limited, the Canadian Hydrographic Service, and Beaver Marine Limited.
He holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia and is a registered professional engineer in the Province of Nova Scotia.
Sara Colburne
Vice-President, Strategy and Transformation
A trusted and experienced leader, Sara Colburne officially joined the Halifax Port Authority team in September 2022 as VP, Strategy and Transformation. Sara has extensive experience in business strategy, communications and branding, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development. She has worked with innovation founders, CEOs, and start-ups to accelerate their vision and navigate transformational change via her business, Colburne Consulting, Inc. She previously served as Managing Director for Engage Nova Scotia.
Sara is passionate about community, equity, and trust. She currently serves as Chair of Alice House Board of Directors and volunteers her time providing invaluable mentorship to young professionals. She also served the Halifax Port Authority in a volunteer role as Chair of the Port Community Liaison Committee, where for more than two years, was instrumental in fostering meaningful communication between the HPA and broader community.
Mike Davie
Vice-President, Operations and Technology
Capt(N) (Ret’d) Mike Davie joined the Halifax Port Authority (HPA) in 2018 initially in the role of Vice President Operations & Planning. Mike led efforts to modernize operations management and built a Planning team to complete a comprehensive Port 50-Year Plan and manage HPA’s larger infrastructure projects in the future. This year, as VP Operations & Technology, Mike continues in ensuring secure, safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable conduct of marine and landside operational activities. He also oversees the port’s ability to respond to emergencies through a comprehensive Emergency Management System and provides oversight for Information and Technology Services transformation and innovation through the Port’s living lab, The PIER (Port Innovation, Engagement and Research).
Prior to joining HPA, Mike gained Command, Leadership and Management experience spanning a 30-year career with the Royal Canadian Navy, serving in several senior roles including Director Naval Force Readiness, Commander Sea Training, Chief of Staff to Commander Maritime Forces Atlantic and Commanding Officer, HMCS Athabaskan. He holds a Master’s degree from King’s College London.
Susan Malana
Chief Human Resources Officer
Susan Malana joined the Halifax Port Authority in July 2021 as Chief Human Resources Officer and is responsible for developing and executing human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the organization.
Prior to joining the Halifax Port Authority, Susan had an extensive career in the private sector in hospitality. Previously she held the position of Regional Director of Human Resources for the Canadian Region with New Castle Hotels & Resorts. During her time with New Castle Hotels she cultivated their reputation as an Employer of Choice and they are routinely recognized as a Best Workplace in Canada and for Retail & Hospitality as well as being recognized as a Best Workplace for Women, for Inclusion, for Mental Health and Today’s Youth.
Susan Malana holds a Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Human Resources / Industrial Relations from the University of British Columbia. She is an active member and prior Chairperson of the Hospitality Human Resources Committee (HHRC).