Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) Network Appoints New Executive Director
Ocean News
The Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) Network’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Stefan Leslie to the role of MEOPAR Executive Director.
Mr. Leslie joins MEOPAR following a diverse career in the private sector and government, most recently as Regional Director of Fisheries Management (Maritimes Region), Fisheries and Oceans Canada. He brings a strong depth and breadth of experience leading marine research and management programs to the MEOPAR role.
Mr. Stefan Leslie, MEOPAR’s newly appointed Executive Director
“We are delighted to welcome Stefan to the Network,” said MEOPAR Board Chair, Robert Walker. “His expertise and experience, especially in executive management and marine stakeholder relations, is an excellent addition to our team. We look forward to his leadership as we continue to grow and develop as a Network.”
Mr. Leslie joins the Network as it seeks renewal from the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence Program. If successful, it will see the Network funded for an additional five years (2017 – 2022).
“MEOPAR has a great team behind it, and I’m looking forward to contributing at this exciting point in its evolution”, said Mr. Leslie. “MEOPAR is creating real benefits for Canada, supporting leading research and developing the economy. It has a very bright future.”
MEOPAR began its search for a new Executive Director following the unexpected passing of its former Executive Director, Neil Gall, in early January, 2016.
“Neil made extraordinary contributions to our Network and we miss his energetic leadership greatly”, said MEOPAR Scientific Director Dr. Douglas Wallace. “I’m thankful to have someone of Stefan’s caliber on board to build on the momentum that Neil helped so much to create, and I look forward to working with him closely as we continue to grow and evolve as a Network”.
Mr. Leslie begins his new MEOPAR role on 18 April. The Network would like to thank
MEOPAR’s Associate Scientific Director, Dr. Ron Pelot, who served as the Acting Executive Director during MEOPAR’s search process.
ABOUT MEOPAR
The Marine Environmental Observation Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) Network is strengthening Canada’s ability to anticipate and respond to marine risk. Established in 2012 through a five-year, $25 million grant from the federal Networks of Centres of Excellence Program, MEOPAR is a national network of academic researchers and students, government scientists, and partners in the private, NGO and community sectors working together to reduce vulnerability and strengthen opportunities related to the marine environment. MEOPAR is hosted at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. To learn more, please visit www.meopar.ca.
