Candidate for Councillor: Eric Potter, P.Eng.
Candidate Overview
- 25 years of executive and C-Suite experience covering oil & gas, manufacturing, construction, mechanical services and management consulting. Led successful business in 30+ countries.
- Expertise in navigating complex organizational dynamics, driving growth, and fostering team excellence. Known for a people-centric leadership style and developing sector-leading, sustainable organizations.
- Strategy, policy and committee work with not-for-profit, private, public and private equity boards. Unique capability to align boards to a common set of values and strategic direction.
Personal Statement
From the factory floor to C-Suite positions, I have learned the value of getting to the heart of the issue. No matter who is involved in the conversation, the perspectives and knowledge of each person adds value. Seeing past the veneer of the conversations and focusing on what really matters means that people can work effectively together. The high level of trust that comes from honest discussions, leads to better crafted policies, and develops the confidence to take on bold initiatives.
An APEGA that draws on the strengths of everyone in its ecosystem can adapt to the fast pace of change including the blurring of borders and technology which has enormous consequences for APEGA and its members. I believe that when APEGA sets achievable high ethical and technical standards for its members and supports those members to achieve those standards it raises the value of engineers and geoscientists. Where better to source your work than from a jurisdiction that guarantees exceptional engineers and geoscientists? I believe that Alberta can be the world’s preferred provider of geoscience and engineering.
I look forward to continuing my support of the APEGA journey as a council member.
Candidate Resume
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Get to Know the Candidate in Four Questions
What does self-regulation mean to you as a member of APEGA?
Self-regulation is the privilege and responsibility to deliver on APEGA’s mandate to protect the public. Self-regulation means that APEGA’s policies and regulations are nuanced to provide the highest public safety while facilitating opportunities for APEGA members and the growth of engineering and geosciences. Self-regulation means better protection for the public because regulations are developed by knowledgeable members rather than being dictated by less informed regulators.
What would you bring to Council?
Forward looking, inclusive leadership that draws the best from others and finds opportunities in change. I will continue to help APEGA to monitor and interpret external and internal changes that indicate a need for change in direction so that policy development is proactive versus reactive.
As the regulator of engineering and geoscience, what challenges does APEGA face?
APEGA faces challenges as a regulator on two main fronts.
First is shifting public perception where there is a general eroding of public trust in institutions partly due to circulation of false information across electronic media.
Improving trust and minimizing the impact of false information both rely on APEGA’s ability to maintain an inclusive culture that embraces a free flow of information and ideas, as this increases trust with members, as well as with the general public.
Second is the rapid advancement of AI and cross-border work. Letting members understand and apply AI to the greatest benefit, while holding members accountable for ensuring public safety is APEGA’s best option to ensure AI is a significant, well-managed opportunity.
What is the value of a professional licence with APEGA?
All APEGA members receive trust and credibility at a level that is a proxy for the value of the APEGA brand. The more the public trusts APEGA, the greater the value of its brand and the greater the value of the licences it issues.