A Lasting Impact 

Nash was nominated by multiple colleagues, including Brooke Warren and Peter Burnett, who cited her lasting impact on both people and projects. Warren shared that Nash “ignited a spark,” crediting her with shaping countless careers, including her own. She has redefined what leadership looks like within the maritime sector. As Warren noted, “Alicia leads with resilience, authenticity, and accountability. These qualities are evident in how she approaches her work and the people around her. Alicia has proven that leadership is about action, not position.”

With nearly 17 years in the marine and ship-repair industry, Nash’s career has spanned engineering, project management and executive operations roles. Her work has focused on pre-site new construction as well as complex vessel life-extensions and refit programs. “Shipping and ship repair are demanding, technical and unforgiving environments,” Nash said, “but they also deliver real outcomes. I found purpose in solving complex problems that require engineering, people leadership and execution to align.” 

Nash has been with Ontario Shipyards for more than six years. The company is the largest Canadian ship repair and construction organization on the Great Lakes. She joined Ontario Shipyards as director of project management and engineering, advanced to senior director of the Project Management Office and Engineering, and now serves as vice president of operations. Prior to joining Ontario Shipyards, Nash built an extensive maritime career at Lloyd’s Register, where she held several influential roles, including marine surveyor, engineering systems team lead, and global arctic specialist. The wealth of experience she gained in these positions continues to inform her leadership and strategic decision-making today.  

Her connection to the industry is deeply personal. Nash grew up in a small town in Newfoundland, where marine work was not just an occupation, but a way of life. “Shipbuilding, marine work and hard, honest labor are part of our identity,” she said. Her father, who made his living on the water, became the greatest influence on her career path. Initially set on pursuing civil engineering, Nash credits a pivotal conversation with her father for redirecting her future. “Choosing the marine industry created a deep bond between us and shaped the person and leader I would become,” she said. That decision led to a career that has taken her to shipyards around the world, from China and the United Kingdom to Russia and Chile.  

Widely regarded as authentic, accountable and solutions focused, Nash is known for her ability to lead complex, high-stakes projects with composure and precision. She thrives under pressure, maintains clarity in challenging environments and sets high expectations while remaining deeply supportive of her teams. Her clear communication and steady leadership bring out the best in others, keeping projects on course and teams engaged. 

Defining Characteristics 

Innovation is a defining characteristic of Nash’s leadership. Her creative and resourceful approach to problem-solving has been described as the driving force behind operational success at Ontario Shipyards. In response to skilled labor shortages in the region, Nash established partnerships with local universities and technical institutes, creating direct pathways for new talent to enter the maritime industry. These collaborations provide hands-on experience, cultivate essential skills, and help launch new careers in shipbuilding, repair, engineering and project management. “Delivering major projects is important,” Nash said, “but creating sustainable capability within an organization is what lasts.” 

Nash is recognized as decisive, technically skilled and a people-center leader. Her ability to adapt quickly and respond effectively to evolving needs makes her a key contributor to not only Ontario Shipyards’ success, but to the broader marine industry across Ontario.  Burnett noted that since meeting Nash, she consistently impresses him due to her capacity to learn rapidly and navigate unfamiliar situations with confidence. “Her approach to challenges is practical and steady,” he said.  

While Nash possesses many admirable professional traits, one of her greatest strengths lies in her investment in people. She mentors, guides and empowers those around her, creating an environment where individuals are encouraged to take on challenges with confidence. “Helping others step into leadership roles with confidence has been the most rewarding part of my career,” Nash shared. By fostering trust, providing responsibility and holding teams accountable, Nash inspires others to rise to the occasion, persevere through adversity, and celebrate collective success. Burnett emphasized, “She fosters productive relationships between shipyards, clients and government stakeholders, improving communication and alignment across projects and making all required efforts to make sure that all parties are satisfied.” 

Supporting Women 

Nash’s influence extends well beyond her formal leadership roles, most notably through her work with Rise Together, an initiative dedicated to advancing women in the marine industry. While not the founder, Nash has been actively involved in its development since its inception. She has helped shape the initiative into a practical, action-oriented community focused on mentorship, peer support and shared learning. “This program focuses on women supporting other women in a male-dominated industry,” Nash said, “addressing both day-to-day challenges and future growth.” Under her leadership, Rise Together has grown into a meaningful platform for mentorship, networking, and professional development, providing a support system many women lacked earlier in their careers. 

Recognition, Nash believes, plays a critical role in advancing the industry. “When women see others acknowledged for their technical competence and leadership, not just their presence, it helps normalize women in senior operational roles,” she said.  “It broadens what future leaders believe is possible.” 

Through her professional excellence and unwavering integrity, Nash continues to redefine what leadership looks like in the marine industry. She leads some of the largest and most complex marine projects in Canada, and her presence at the helm sends a powerful message. Her leadership and expertise is opening doors for women to step into senior roles across shipbuilding and repair. As a result of her efforts, Ontario has become a focal point in Canadian shipbuilding, and the industry is increasingly recognizing the critical role women play in its future.  

Nash’s ability to deliver results, drive progress and elevate those around her exemplifies the spirit of the IMPACT! Award. Her influence is measurable, her leadership enduring and her impact on the marine industry unmistakable.