I crafted and implemented organization's strategic direction in alignment with mission and vision. I spearheaded high-level decision-making processes concerning policy and strategy. I directed fiscal activities, including budgeting, reporting, and auditing. I cultivated strong relationships with employees, board members, investors, customers, and wider community. Furthermore, I nurtured positive, innovative, and growth-focused organizational culture. I identified and mitigated potential risks to organization. I also attracted, recruited, and retained top talent, while providing mentorship, professional development, and performance assessments. I worked closely with board of directors to provide necessary information for fulfilling fiduciary duties. I led operational functions in absence of COO to drive comprehensive business operations.• Ensured smooth day-to-day operations, driving excellence, overseeing design and modernization of new processing facility, and managing repercussions of Hurricane Fiona in Prince Edward Island.• Guided company through challenges brought by Hurricane Fiona in September 2022, navigating limited market mussel supply availability until January 2025.• Acted as primary spokesperson, representing company at public events, in media engagements, and with key stakeholders.

I ensured company compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, stayed current with changes in corporate laws and regulations, and advised board and senior management on legal matters. I organized and attended board meetings, prepared agendas and minutes, maintained corporate records, including bylaws, resolutions, and shareholder agreements, and cultivated shareholder relations and communications. I managed official documents, contracts, and legal filings; coordinated annual reports and regulatory filings.• Acted as liaison between board, management, and external stakeholders, kept shareholders informed about corporate activities and developments, and facilitated communication with legal counsel and auditors.• Identified and mitigated legal and compliance risks, as well as implemented best practices to reduce corporate risks.• Promoted culture of ethics, transparency, and accountability within organization.

I developed financial strategies to achieve company's vision, setting and aligning financial goals with overall corporate strategy. I ensured timely, detailed, and accurate financial statements in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). I created, monitored, and reviewed company's budget for optimal resource allocation. I also identified financial risks and implemented strategies to mitigate impact. I managed fundraising efforts, liaising with financial institutions, investors, and other stakeholders. I communicated financial metrics and strategies to board of directors, investors, and other stakeholders. I collaborated with board of directors to provide necessary information for fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities. I represented company at public events and with key constituents as primary spokesperson. I identified and evaluated potential M&A opportunities, conducting thorough due diligence and assessing strategic fit and financial feasibility. Moreover, I built complex financial models to assess valuation, synergies, and post-merger integration scenarios. I collaborated with cross-functional teams and managed relationships with key stakeholders. I conducted market trends and competitive landscape analysis to inform strategic M&A decision-making. I co-led operational functions in absence of COO, collaborating with CEO to drive comprehensive business operations.• Collaborated with former CEO on recovery plans addressing losses from Hurricane Dorian in September 2019, COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, and loss of main mussel processing facility in December 2021.• Successfully completed 5 M&A transactions totaling $21M CAD, contributing to strategic growth and market expansion.• Negotiated terms and conditions of M&A deals, navigating legal and financial complexities for successful closures.• Led post-merger integration to ensure seamless transitions and realization of synergies.

I oversaw company's financial and accounting operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting, ensured financial reports complied with current regulations and standards, and monitored cash flow, finance, and capital requirements. I assessed financial risks, assured adequate insurance coverage, and implemented and maintained internal controls and financial procedures. I presented financial updates to Board of Directors and key stakeholders, as well as acted as primary contact for financial and tax auditors and regulatory agencies. I also led, mentored, and developed finance team, as well as encouraged continuous learning and development within department. I co-led operational functions in absence of COO, collaborating with CEO to drive comprehensive business operations.• Collaborated with CEO and other executives to set financial goals and strategies, led development of long-term strategic financial plans, and evaluated financial implications of new business ventures and projects.• Engaged with former Private Equity owners, CEO, and investment bank to successfully sell Atlantic Aqua Farms to Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan in November 2017.• Integrated new financial technologies and tools, as well as drove efficiencies in financial operations and reporting.

I oversaw accounting department's operations, including organizational structure design, led accurate and timely processing of accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliations, and payroll, and complied with local, state, and federal reporting requirements and tax filings. Furthermore, I prepared monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements in compliance with applicable standards and regulations, analyzed financial data, provided commentary on financial performance, and ensured timely and accurate month-end and year-end close processes. I participated in financial planning process, including annual budgets and forecasts, as well as compared actual financial results to budget and forecasts, analyzing and explaining variances. I mentored and developed accounting team, promoting professional growth and collaboration, as well as established performance metrics and evaluated team members' performance. I co-led operational functions in absence of COO, collaborating with CEO to drive comprehensive business operations.• Evaluated accounting and financial systems, suggesting and implementing improvements or changes as necessary, as well as stayed updated with industry trends, changes in accounting regulations, and best practices.• Collaborated with former owners, CEO, and investment bank to compile marketing materials for sale of Atlantic Aqua Farms on behalf of owners Encore Consumer Capital.• Developed and maintained internal control policies and procedures to safeguard company assets and ensure accurate financial reporting, coordinated provision of information to external auditors for annual audit, and ensured compliance with GAAP and other relevant financial regulations.

I provided corporate operating budget by working with President and Chief Operating Officer to ensure success through cost analysis support and compliance with all contractual and programmatic requirements. I supported President and Chief Operating Officer with daily business operations and strategic vision, while fostering stakeholder relationships and assisting in contract development and negotiation. I assisted in developing new business by identifying funding opportunities, drafting prospective programmatic budgets, and determining cost-effectiveness of potential service delivery. I oversaw all purchasing and payroll activities for staff and participants. I monitored organization's banking activities to ensure adequate cash flow to meet operational needs. I supervised accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, information technology, procurement, and project teams. I assisted in achieving organization's mission by executing staff succession and growth plans. I led corporate development initiatives, including mergers and acquisitions (buy side). I co-led operational functions in absence of COO (approx. 50% tenure) collaborating with President to drive comprehensive business operations.• Investigated cost-effective benefit plans and fringe benefits to attract and retain qualified individuals, assisting in design, implementation, and timely calculation of wage incentives, commissions, and salaries.• Maintained business relationships with financial resources, such as banks, ACOA, and other third-party agencies.• Installed and substantiated adequate control documentation to pass independent and governmental audits.• Trained finance unit and other staff to raise awareness and knowledge of financial management matters.• Supervised team of nine staff members (six direct; three indirect).