Fisheries and Oceans Canada Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Fisheries and Oceans Canada has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational management, and administrative coordination.

Committed to the preservation of aquatic ecosystems, Fisheries and Oceans Canada drives sustainable resource management and scientific innovation across all Canadian marine and freshwater environments.

Leadership Roles at Fisheries and Oceans Canada

  • Chief Executive Officer - Lindsay Dale
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nancy Wentzell
  • Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances - Victoria Martineau-Pacheco
  • Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal - Danielle LeBlanc
  • Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services - Kanchan Alamelu
  • Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090 - Richard May
  • President - Steve Goodall
  • Director, Chief of Staff - Kirsten Lawrie
  • Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive - Julie Châteauvert
  • Lindsay Dale - Chief Executive Officer

    Lindsay Dale, the Chief Executive Officer at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, directs the overarching strategic vision for federal water management and marine resource protection. Dale architects high-level policies that balance economic growth in the fisheries sector with the critical necessity of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. By coordinating with federal partners and scientific divisions, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that all regulatory frameworks align with national sustainability goals. This leadership role involves overseeing complex interdepartmental initiatives that span vast coastal and inland territories. Lindsay Dale maintains rigorous standards for habitat protection while fostering innovation in aquaculture and biotechnology. Through the implementation of sound science, the Chief Executive Officer secures the long-term viability of Canadian water resources. Ultimately, Dale drives the organizational mission to safeguard the environment while supporting the prosperity of marine-dependent industries across the country.

    Nancy Wentzell - Chief Financial Officer

    Nancy Wentzell, the Chief Financial Officer at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, manages the fiscal integrity and budgetary allocation for federal marine and freshwater programs. Wentzell oversees the distribution of financial resources to support scientific research, habitat restoration, and infrastructure maintenance across diverse Canadian regions. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that all expenditures adhere to strict government accountability standards while maximizing the impact of investments in sustainable fisheries. By analyzing economic trends within the marine sector, Wentzell provides the necessary data to inform long-term planning and resource distribution. This role requires constant collaboration with departmental leaders to align financial strategies with operational requirements. Nancy Wentzell maintains a focus on fiscal efficiency to support the broader organizational mandate of environmental stewardship. Through precise financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer enables the successful execution of critical conservation projects and technological advancements.

    Victoria Martineau-Pacheco - Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances

    Victoria Martineau-Pacheco, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, streamlines the operational activities within the financial division. Martineau-Pacheco manages the administrative framework that supports fiscal planning and resource allocation for marine conservation efforts. The Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances coordinates between financial analysts and executive leadership to ensure that budgetary goals align with the broader mission of protecting aquatic resources. By facilitating communication and project tracking, Martineau-Pacheco enhances the overall productivity of the financial sector. This role involves managing sensitive data and high-level reporting requirements that inform national policy decisions. Victoria Martineau-Pacheco maintains a focus on operational excellence to support the department's commitment to sustainable growth. Through diligent coordination, the Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances ensures fiscal stability.

    Danielle LeBlanc - Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal

    Danielle LeBlanc, the Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, directs the financial strategy and risk management frameworks for the department. LeBlanc oversees the auditing and reporting processes that ensure transparency in the funding of marine and freshwater initiatives. The Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal manages the allocation of capital to support scientific research and infrastructure projects that protect aquatic habitats. By evaluating the financial implications of new policies, LeBlanc provides critical guidance to the executive team regarding the sustainability of long-term programs. This role involves maintaining rigorous compliance with federal financial regulations while supporting the department's operational needs. Danielle LeBlanc maintains a focus on fiscal responsibility to ensure that resources are directed toward high-impact conservation efforts. Through strategic financial leadership, the Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal secures the necessary funding to advance the department's mission.

    Kanchan Alamelu - Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services

    Kanchan Alamelu, the Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, provides specialized financial guidance to support the department's diverse sectors. Alamelu manages the advisory services that assist program managers in navigating complex budgetary requirements for marine and freshwater resource management. The Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services develops financial models that assess the viability of new aquaculture and biotechnology initiatives. By offering expert analysis, Alamelu ensures that sector-specific projects remain within fiscal constraints while achieving their conservation objectives. This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders to optimize the use of financial resources across the organization. Kanchan Alamelu maintains a focus on providing actionable financial insights that drive informed decision-making. Through the delivery of high-quality advisory services, the Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services supports the department's overall financial health.

    Richard May - Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090

    Richard May, the Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090 at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, manages the logistical support and supply chain operations essential for field research and habitat protection. May oversees the procurement and distribution of equipment required for scientific teams working in diverse aquatic environments. The Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090 ensures that field operations have the necessary resources to conduct monitoring and conservation activities effectively. By coordinating with internal departments, May maintains the readiness of critical infrastructure and supplies. This role involves balancing operational logistics with the needs of the workforce to ensure that projects proceed without interruption. Richard May maintains a focus on efficiency and reliability in the supply chain to support the department's field-based mission. Through the management of essential resources, the Supply Technician & President, Uew Local 20090 enables the successful execution of on-the-ground conservation efforts across the country.

    Steve Goodall - President

    Steve Goodall, the President at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, leads the organizational efforts to maintain the integrity of federal marine and freshwater programs. Goodall directs the implementation of policies that support sustainable fisheries and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. The President oversees the coordination of scientific and regulatory activities to ensure that the department meets its mandate of safeguarding Canadian waters. By engaging with industry partners and government agencies, Goodall fosters collaboration to address complex environmental challenges. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for the department and ensuring that all initiatives align with national priorities for resource management. Steve Goodall maintains a focus on achieving long-term sustainability in the marine sector through sound science and effective policy. Through the leadership of the organization, the President drives the department's commitment to environmental stewardship and the responsible management of Canada's aquatic resources.

    Kirsten Lawrie - Director, Chief of Staff

    Kirsten Lawrie, the Director, Chief of Staff at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, coordinates internal operations and facilitates communication across the executive leadership team. Lawrie manages the flow of information and strategic priorities to ensure that departmental objectives remain synchronized with federal mandates. The Director, Chief of Staff optimizes administrative processes to enhance the efficiency of programs focused on aquatic ecosystem health and resource management. By bridging the gap between policy development and operational execution, Lawrie supports the seamless delivery of services across national marine and freshwater sectors. This leadership role involves managing complex schedules and high-priority projects that require cross-functional cooperation. Kirsten Lawrie maintains a focus on organizational agility to address emerging environmental challenges. Through the effective management of internal workflows, the Director, Chief of Staff enables the department to respond rapidly to shifting priorities in the marine and fisheries industries.

    Julie Châteauvert - Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive

    Julie Châteauvert, the Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, integrates operational planning with long-term strategic initiatives. Châteauvert oversees the implementation of frameworks designed to improve the efficiency of marine resource management and habitat protection programs. The Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive aligns departmental activities with national goals for sustainable fisheries and scientific innovation. By analyzing operational performance, Châteauvert identifies opportunities for process improvement and resource optimization across the organization. This leadership role involves working closely with other executives to ensure that strategic objectives are met through effective operational execution. Julie Châteauvert maintains a focus on delivering measurable results in the protection of aquatic ecosystems. Through the synthesis of strategy and operations, the Chief of Staff & Operations & Strategy) Executive drives the department toward achieving its mandate of safeguarding Canadian waters while fostering economic growth in the marine sector.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Federal

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Fisheries and Oceans Canada Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Fisheries and Oceans Canada?
    Fisheries and Oceans Canada is led by Lindsay Dale (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Nancy Wentzell (Chief Financial Officer) and Victoria Martineau-Pacheco (Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances).
    Who is part of Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s executive team?
    The executive team of Fisheries and Oceans Canada includes leaders such as Lindsay Dale (Chief Executive Officer), Nancy Wentzell (Chief Financial Officer), Victoria Martineau-Pacheco (Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Fisheries and Oceans Canada have?
    Fisheries and Oceans Canada has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Fisheries and Oceans Canada includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff To the Chief Financial Officer and Chef De Cabinet Au Dirigeant Principal Des Finances, Chief Financial Officer & Dirigeante Des Finances Principal, Financial Management Advisor & Chief Financial Officer, Sector & Financial Advisory Services.