Cassandra McLean

Cassandra McLean became the Manager of Strategic Initiatives at Fort McKay First Nation in June 2021. She plays a critical role in managing multiple, concurrent high-profile projects and initiatives. A key responsibility for that role is the development and implementation of strategic initiatives for FMFN. Her work supports the direction for overall business strategies, including short – and long-term strategic planning.

Previously, Cassandra served as Executive Assistant to the Chief of FMFN for more than three years. Her career began at Syncrude Canada Ltd in 2000 when Athcon Developments joined Syncrude Canada in a partnership program that hired four Indigenous high school graduates, including Cassandra, to learn drafting in the Syncrude As-built Department. After that year, Cassandra was asked to stay on at Athcon as an as-built drafter. She subsequently joined Syncrude, becoming an As-built Administrator and then Coordinator, running the As-built department. In 2015, she became Syncrude’s OMIS 4.1 Information and Documentation Administrator.

Among Cassandra’s many achievements, she holds a MicroStation Certification and has taken drafting courses through NAIT. Areas on additional training include various training including a Project Management Certificate and a Leadership Certificate.

Cassandra has many deep family ties to the region and regularly contributes to local social causes. She is a Lifetime Member of the McMurray Métis and has done extensive volunteering for both the United Way and the Wood Buffalo Food Bank.