Stefan is the Chief Executive Officer of Research Nova Scotia, an independent not-for-profit organization established to support, organize and coordinate the funding for research in Nova Scotia. RNS embraces a mission-oriented approach to solve the province's biggest challenges through research. Previously, Stefan was the Executive Director of the Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response (MEOPAR) network in Halifax, Nova Scotia, a Network of Centres of Excellence dedicated to research, training, knowledge mobilization and partnerships in the marine research sector. Stefan’s previous positions include Regional Director, Fisheries Management for Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Halifax; Manager, Deepwater Fisheries for the New Zealand government, and; Chief, Economic Analysis, Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Ottawa. He holds a Master’s of Marine Management (Dalhousie University).