Alexander MacDonald appointed president of Canadian Space Agency

The Government of Canada has appointed Alexander MacDonald as the new president of the Canadian Space Agency.

The appointment was announced November 4 by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. MacDonald succeeds Lisa Campbell, who has led the agency since 2020.

MacDonald brings more than 20 years of experience in the space sector, most recently serving as NASA’s first chief economist.

During his time at NASA, he held several senior leadership positions, including senior economic advisor in the Office of the Administrator and founding program executive of the Emerging Space Office. He also contributed to the development of NASA’s Moon to Mars strategy and Artemis program.

MacDonald holds degrees from Queen’s University, the University of British Columbia and the University of Oxford. He is also an award-winning author and received the NASA Exceptional Service Medal in 2024.

The federal government says the appointment followed an open, competency-based selection process.