- Captain Allan Gray, President & CEO
- Paul MacIsaac, Senior Vice-President
- Greg Baker, Vice-President, Assets and Infrastructure
- 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 Gray joined Halifax Port Authority as President and CEO in November of 2019. He 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 meaningful communication and information sharing between the Port and members of the public.
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 to 2013 and was awarded life membership for his contribution to raising the profile of the Company. Captain Gray was President of the International Harbour Masters Association from 2018 to 2020.
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.
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. She previously served in a volunteer role as Chair of the Port Community Liaison Committee for more than two years and was instrumental in fostering meaningful communication between the Halifax Port Authority and broader community.
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. while simultaneously serving as Managing Director for Engage Nova Scotia. Sara also brings with her several years of agency experience having led teams at both National Public Relations and Revolve.
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.
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 Master 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).
Sustainability
Media Centre
