Candidate for Councillor: Eric Potter, P.Eng.
Candidate Overview
- 25 years of executive and C-Suite experience covering oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, mechanical services, and management consulting. Led successful businesses in more than 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
I grew up on the factory floor and worked my way to C-Suite positions, and I believe that is why it’s important to me to always get to the heart of the matter. No matter who is involved in the conversation, the perspectives and knowledge of each person add 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. How are design integrity and public safety protected when an app does the engineering? Can the best solutions be found through turf wars or relationships? Being a step ahead requires leadership, and APEGA needs to be that leader. From that leadership comes opportunities for members and Alberta. I look forward to playing a part in that journey.
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 of delivering 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 rules and regulations are developed and accepted by members rather than being dictated by less informed regulators.
What would you bring to Council?
I bring a forward-looking, inclusive leadership that draws the best from others and finds opportunities for change. I will help APEGA monitor and interpret external and internal changes that indicate a need for change in direction so that policy development is proactive rather than reactive.
As the regulator of engineering and geoscience, what challenges does APEGA face?
APEGA faces challenges as a regulator from three main fronts. The first is the shifting public perception where there is a general eroding of public trust in institutions. The second is the circulation of false information across electronic media. Improving trust and minimizing the impact of false information rely on APEGA’s ability to maintain an inclusive culture that embraces a free flow of information and ideas, as this increases trust within the organization and with the general public. The third is a rapid shift in technology, which means engineering and geoscience work can increasingly be done by AI and can be done across jurisdictions. Embracing new technology and being a leader in utilizing and managing its use is APEGA’s best option to turn this into an 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 licences it issues.