Outstanding contributors to PEI ecosystem honoured at Springboard 20th Anniversary showcase
PEI honourees from left: Alexander MacDonald, Marc Richard, Ronald Keefe, Shelley King, Daryl Genge, Wes MacAleer, Shawn MacDougall, Russell Kerr.
From the Springboard Content Lab
Springboard Atlantic hosted a showcase in Charlottetown PEI to celebrate our 20th Anniversary and to honour outstanding contributions to the PEI ecosystem and economy.
These individuals have started companies, advanced research commercialization and created industry collaborations that have grown the burgeoning bioscience sector in PEI.
We are proud to thank and congratulate these individuals.
Dr. Alexander (Sandy) MacDonald – President, Holland College
Prior to this role, Sandy served as Vice President of Academic and Applied Research at the college, helping applied research to flourished, and opening new doors for collaboration between students, faculty, and industry leaders. These partnerships have not only benefited the institution but have also significantly contributed to the local economy by addressing real-world challenges through innovation.
Before coming to Holland College Sandy also served as a Deputy Minister in both Education and Workforce Development, where he shaped provincial policies that continue to drive growth today.
Dr. Marc Richard, Senior Business Development Officer UPEI OCII
We are also pleased to recognize Dr. Marc Richard for his contributions to innovation and industry collaboration at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and in the PEI ecosystem.
Marc’s journey began with a PhD in Pharmacology from Dalhousie University.
He held research roles in academia and industry, developing cutting-edge solutions for chronic pain management and Alzheimer’s disease. With his deep understanding of science and business, Marc’s career evolved toward strategic business development,
This experience set the stage for his role as Senior Business Development Officer at UPEI’s Office of Commercialization, Industry, and Innovation (OCII).
Since joining OCII in 2018, Marc has become a vital bridge between UPEI’s researchers and the business world, helping innovative ideas transition from the lab to commercial success.
Through his leadership, Marc has built strong relationships within the Springboard Network, contributing to initiatives like the Lobster Food File, which have opened new doors for UPEI’s research community.
Marc, thank you for your dedication to advancing innovation on PEI and efforts to position the Island as a hub for bioscience and collaboration.
Ronald Keefe, former CEO BIOVECTRA
Ronald Keefe’s business leadership as former CEO of BioVectra has helped turn PEI into a hub for biotechnology, which includes bioscience companies, research institutions, and industry partnerships.
Over the past two decades, PEI’s biotech sector has emerged as a leader in biopharmaceuticals, marine biotechnology, and natural product research, contributing to job creation and positioning the Island as a global player in these fields.
Through his involvement with Synapse, the PEI BioAlliance, and Island Capital Partners, he has been instrumental in fostering growth, attracting investment, and supporting early-stage companies—fueling economic development across the Island.
Shelley King, Founding CEO Natural Products Canada
As founding CEO of Natural Products Canada, Shelley has positioned Canada as a global pioneer and trailblazer in the natural product sector.
She has established relationships with multinational companies, investors, and European innovation and government organizations.
Shelley has helped researchers and companies navigate regulations and IP, scale-up, and tackle financing hurdles on the road to commercialization.
As a former board member of Springboard Atlantic and a member of the UPEI Office of Commercialization, Industry and Innovation, Shelley provided invaluable insights and helped shape Springboard’s mission to bridge research with industry in Atlantic Canada.
Wes MacAleer – former PEI Minister of Economic Development
Wes MacAleer, formerly a dedicated member of Springboard Atlantic’s Board of Directors, played a key leadership and advisory role in shaping the organization’s mission to drive innovation in Atlantic Canada.
As Minister of Economic Development & Tourism during his time in the Prince Edward Island Legislature from 1996 to 2007, Wes was instrumental in fostering economic growth, with a strong focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
Wes’s leadership style has always been marked by collaboration and a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that innovation was not only fostered but actively implemented. His ability to work across sectors to unite various stakeholders is a testament to his commitment to growth and excellence in the region.
His efforts in advancing technology over the years have aligned with the values of Springboard, making a lasting impact on the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Shawn MacDougall, Director of Applied Research at Holland College
As Director of Applied Research at Holland College Shawn leads applied research activities across more than 60 programs at Holland College.
His work and oversight have advanced innovation across Holland’s campuses and built meaningful connections between students, faculty, and industry partners in a wide range of fields.
Shawn’s journey began with a master’s degree in environmental and analytical chemistry from UPEI. He brought that foundation, along with his experience at Veterans Affairs Canada, to Holland College 10 years ago, where he has since become a driving force behind applied research.
Under Shawn’s leadership, applied research at Holland College has evolved, offering students real-world, hands-on experiences beyond their core programs.
Shawn is a valued member of the Springboard Network and today we are pleased to honour him for his significant contributions in applied research and industry engagement in PEI.
Dr. Russell Kerr, founder Nautilus Biosciences
Dr. Russell Kerr is an emeritus professor at UPEI and founder of Nautilus Biosciences.
Dr. Russell Kerr’s groundbreaking work in marine biotechnology has put PEI on the map as a global leader in the biotechnology economy.
Russell has been instrumental in using marine microbial biodiversity to discover novel compounds for commercial use.
His success led to Nautilus being acquired by Croda International, transforming the company into a Centre of Innovation for Marine Biotechnology and further cementing PEI’s reputation in the biosciences sector.
Russell’s contributions have helped position PEI as a leader in marine natural product research, driving innovation and economic growth in the region’s biosciences sector. We are honoured to recognize you today.
