VP government and global relations

Matt Hebb has spent the last 20 years of his career fostering opportunities for social and economic impact in and from Canada’s East Coast. He transitioned from work in politics and government to join Dalhousie University in 2012.

Throughout his tenure, Hebb has focused extensively on engaging the university in projects and partnerships that catalyze broad economic opportunities. Notable accomplishments include co-leading strategy to establish innovation and entrepreneurship as core strengths at Dalhousie; leading the development of an ambitious economic growth plan for the city of Halifax; and co-founding Canada’s Ocean Supercluster – an organization he served as its founding CEO on a secondment from Dalhousie.

Hebb’s focus today is to develop a strategic approach to international engagement that reflects Dalhousie’s values of global impact and inclusive excellence. His global work remains firmly grounded in developing and promoting the comparative advantages of Nova Scotia and Canada.

Matt served three terms as the Chair of the Board of the Economic Development Agency, the Halifax Partnership; he has continued to serve on a variety of committees for Canada’s Ocean Supercluster; he was co-chair of the 30th anniversary East Coast Music Awards; he currently serves on the board of the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE); and he is active in numerous higher education associations.

Prior to joining Dalhousie, Hebb served as Principal Secretary in the Office of the Premier of Nova Scotia. He is a musician and enjoys soccer, cycling and running.