Jennifer McCann

Jennifer McCann is a seasoned professional with a robust background in coastal management and marine policy. She currently holds the position of Director of U.S. Coastal Programs at the University of Rhode Island Coastal Resources Center and serves as the Director of Extension Programs for the Rhode Island Sea Grant College Program.

In her role, McCann leads various research initiatives and offers technical assistance to bolster the capabilities of coastal management practitioners on a global scale. Her impressive accolades include being the recipient of the prestigious 2017 Peter Benchley Ocean Award and a distinguished graduate of Leadership Rhode Island.

McCann's contributions extend to spearheading key projects such as the development of the Rhode Island Ocean Special Area Management Plan (Ocean SAMP), the pioneering Ocean Spatial Plan in the U.S. She has been instrumental in the formulation and execution of strategies pertaining to land-based renewable energy siting, comprehensive management frameworks for Rhode Island's shellfish resources, and the promotion of the blue economy.

With a keen focus on offshore renewable energy, Jennifer has led nationwide endeavors aimed at enhancing monitoring protocols and modeling tools to advance the governance of offshore renewable energy projects. She has been actively involved in devising performance indicators to assess the influence of offshore renewable energy installations on recreational activities and tourism.

Noteworthy achievements in McCann's decorated career include winning the Department of Interior's Partners in Conservation Awards in 2014 and receiving the Outstanding Outreach Achievement Award from the Northeast Regional Sea Grant Consortium in 2013. Jennifer possesses a Master's degree in Marine Policy and Integrated Coastal Resources Management from the University of Rhode Island Department of Marine Affairs.