Biography

Jennifer McCann is the Director of U.S. Coastal Programs at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography Coastal Resources Center and the Director of Extension for Rhode Island Sea Grant. She also serves as the National Sea Grant Energy Liaison, helping all 34 Sea Grant Programs build capacity on ocean energy issues—a role shaped in part by her leadership in siting the Block Island Wind Farm through the pioneering Ocean SAMP process. With over 28 years of experience, McCann leads interdisciplinary research and provides technical support on ocean economy and energy issues to government agencies, industry stakeholders, and the public at local, national, and international levels. Her work includes advising nations and coastal communities — including commercial and recreational fishing sectors—on best practices in coastal and ocean planning. McCann is the recipient of the 2017 Peter Benchley Ocean Award and the 2020 Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association’s Annual Environmental Award. She holds a Master of Arts in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island.