- Captain Allan Gray, President & CEO
- Paul MacIsaac, Senior Vice-President
- Greg Baker, Vice-President, Assets and Infrastructure
- Mike Davie, Vice-President, Planning and Operations
- Krista Dempsey, Vice-President, Real Estate
- Catherine McGrail, Vice-President, Corporate Services
Captain Allan Gray
President & CEO
Captain Allan Gray joined the Halifax Port Authority as President and CEO in November of 2019. The Port of Halifax is a diverse, deep-water cargo port handling containerized, bulk, breakbulk and roll-on/roll-off cargo year-round. The Port connects importers and exporters with 150 countries through a wide range of shipping lines, offering the deepest container berths on the eastern seaboard and seamless intermodal connections to major inland markets. Since August 2015, Halifax has been handling some of the largest container vessels operating along the East Coast of North America.
Before his role with the Halifax Port Authority, Captain Gray was previously the General Manager of Fremantle Ports in Australia. He joined Fremantle Ports in July 2006 as Deputy Harbour Master / Manager Marine and Port Operations, was 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. Captain Gray was the Federal Master (Board Chairman) for the Company of Master Mariners Australia from 2009-2013 and was awarded life membership for his contribution to raising the profile of the Company. Captain Gray is currently the President of the International Harbour Masters Association.
Prior to coming ashore, Captain Gray’s career at sea spanned over 20 years. During this period, he traded on various vessels from RO-RO, container and bulk through to the last 10 years which were spent on LPG Tankers with Bergesens of Norway. Trading patterns included Japan/Far East, Europe, Africa, South America and the United States.
Paul MacIsaac
Senior Vice-President
Paul MacIsaac joined the Halifax Port Authority in September 2005 as Senior Vice-President. Currently, Paul has overall responsibility for finance, infrastructure, environmental management and the Seaport Redevelopment Project.
Prior to joining the Halifax Port Authority, Paul had an extensive career in the private sector in retail operations and commercial real estate leasing. Previously, he held the position of Senior Manager, Corporate Advisory Services with Ernst & Young Chartered Accountants.
Actively involved in his profession and community, Paul is Chair of the Nova Scotia Division for the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, an Executive Member of the Associated Alumni of Acadia University, Past-Chair of the ACPA Finance Committee and past member of Financial Executives International. He has worked with the United Way of Halifax and has served as a coach and executive member of various sports associations within his community.
Greg Baker
Vice-President, Assets and Infrastructure
Greg Baker joined the Halifax Port Authority as a Project Engineer in 1994. As the Vice President, Assets and Infrastructure, he leads the engineering and maintenance 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.
Mike Davie
Vice-President, Planning and Operations
Capt(N) Ret’d Mike Davie joined the Halifax Port Authority as Vice-President, Planning and Operations in 2018. He is responsible for the day to day oversight and management of Port operations, ensuring secure, safe, efficient and environmentally-responsible conduct of marine and landside operational activities. He also oversees the port’s ability to respond to emergencies through a comprehensive Emergency Management System. Further, he provides oversight of Port Master Planning activities.
Prior to joining the Halifax Port Authority, Mike Davie 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.
Krista Dempsey
Vice-President, Real Estate
As Vice President, Real Estate, Krista is responsible for real estate acquisitions, leasing and strategic direction of 265 acres of land, waterlots, and variety of facilities that support the diverse activities of the Port of Halifax. Activities are focused on marine industrial, commercial, retail and tourism. Krista plays a major role in the strategic management of the property, ensuring that it is utilized to its full potential to promote regional economic development and to maintain revenue diversification.
Prior to joining the Halifax Port Authority, she has held increasingly senior roles in the commercial real estate industry having been accountable for the acquisition and disposal of real property as well as leasing and property management. Krista was responsible for the commercial leasing and property management contracts with major retail national chains, directed instrumental changes within federal government leasing programs, and lead the management of a retail mall and office complex.
Actively involved in her community, professionally and personally, Krista is currently a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association, the Real Estate Institute of Canada, the International Women’s Forum, the YWCA – Women’s Leadership Collaborative, in addition to several non-profit fundraising committees.
Catherine McGrail
Vice-President, Corporate Services
Catherine McGrail is responsible for Corporate Services for the Halifax Port Authority. She is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a Master’s in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.
Prior to joining the Halifax Port Authority, she worked with several major companies in Nova Scotia and Ontario. Her industry experience includes public relations, marketing, and strategic communications planning. She has been with the Port since 2003, initially responsible for cruise business development. Over the years she has taken on increasing responsibilities including corporate communications and strategic planning.
Catherine received her Professional Port Manager (PPM) Designation from the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).
