Meet the Team

Brian has been working with airports for over 37 years with the majority of his career here at the Grande Prairie Regional Airport. He has been actively involved in regional and national regulatory affairs since the transfer of the Grande Prairie Airport to local control in 1997 and has been CEO of the Grande Prairie Airport Commission since its inception in 1998. He was also the founding Chair of the Regional Community Airports Canada, a national organization representing regional and small airports from across Canada in regulatory and viability affairs in Ottawa and currently sits as vice-chair.

Outside of his aviation career Brian and his family are active volunteers in community and regional events including work with the Rio Grande Sports Association and Mountview Curling Club in his home communities of Rio Grande and Elmworth for over 40 years.
Brian has also owned and operated businesses in agriculture, trucking, and highway charter bus services.

As a lifelong resident of the Beaverlodge area Brian and wife Lori live on their family farm near Rio Grande. Their children, Morgan and Jayme and their families, also reside in the local area.

From the Grande Prairie Region, and having lived here most of her life.

She is a hospitality professional of over 40 years. Currently the General Manager of the Sandman Hotel and has been with them for over 17 years. She was also the recent Chair of the DMF (Destination Marketing Fund) Committee for the past 2 years.

Having grown up in the tourism industry she has a true understanding of how it effects our communities and the importance of its impact in our Region.

She has raised her family here in the region and through that has been involved in many sport associations over the years. Having travelled to many places, and is proud to say that Grande Prairie and Region has a lot to offer its visitors here with sports tourism, outdoor enthusiasts, festival attendees, etc.

She is honored to be on the board and looks forward to helping the GPRTA grow with the many opportunities we have in the Region and to help promote tourism.

Kate Potter was excited to join the GPRTA board. She has been the Mayor of the Town of Sexsmith since December of 2018 and loves serving in Municipal Government.

As a member of Council, Kate has served on the Economic Development Advisory Committee, South Peace Professional Attraction & Retention Committee (SPPARC), Sustainability Committee and Corporate Services Committee, among others. She is passionate about seeing our region move forward and work together in new ways, particularly around tourism and celebrating each other’s successes. Kate regularly promotes other communities in the region and what they have to offer, knowing that rising tides lift all boats. Her desire in serving on Council, boards, and committees is to help ignite the spark of innovation and make sure everyone’s strengths are being used in the best capacity.

Kate’s professional experience ranges from finance to small business owner to emergency services to advanced education and everything in between. She loves good governance, giving back to the community, strong & healthy organizations, and is always open to trying something new. Personally, Kate’s also a dedicated volunteer, mom to two munchkins, and wife to Luke. She loves new socks, great food experiences, and exploring (particularly in Alberta, where we have so much to offer).

Sandi is originally from Sydney, Nova Scotia and moved to Grande Prairie in January 1995.
As the General Manager and a history in the hospitality industry, Sandi understands the importance of tourism and its impact on the regional economy.

“Having travelled our region for so long with work and children’s sports, I have seen all the beauty it has to offer and all the hidden gems,” she says. “Now, I am able to share my knowledge of the area with our out-of-town guests who are travelling here for work or leisure and can encourage them to take in all Grande Prairie has to offer.”

Over the years, colleagues have been known to use Sandi as their Google and phone book, knowing they can rely on her knowledge of how to find just about anything in the area.

Sandi was previously Sales Manager at The Stanford Inn. She worked in the energy industry for 16 years before transitioning to the hospitality.

Sandi has two boys who have played sports in Grande Prairie for several years with the GP Composite High volleyball and football teams. She’s a board member for the Grande Prairie Football Association, Grande Prairie Pride Society and also a director on the board of The Northern Anarchy Ladies Football Team. She’s an avid traveler and relishes visiting Okanagan wineries. Sandi continues to be a tour guide on her vacation.
“I have reached over 135 spots now and love to bring friends with us and show them around,” she says. “Some of my friends said I should start a Kelowna winery blog since I also have so many photos of my visits.”
Another enjoyment is golf. “I love all the small little golf courses around the Peace Region.”

We are situated in northwestern Alberta, west of Grande Prairie. We farm about 2400 acres of land; with a mix of canola, wheat, peas, and barley. I am a 4th generation of the farm that was established in 1927.

In 2011 we moved into Haskap berry production and opened an entirely new element of farming and marketing. We planted about 19,500 plants over a three year span and it resides on 35 acres of full drip irrigation. The orchard resides on the original homestead land that my Great Grandfather cleared.

Haskap harvest, which is in July, does not interfere with our conventional farming and fits perfectly into the operation. We are focusing and local direct and large markets with our production; with fresh being only available locally and frozen available in bulk quantities. We focus on partnering with companies to provide value-added products and believe in providing local quality food. Broken Tine also was a founding member of Vitalaberry Farms Ltd, formed to combine the power of Canadian producers across western Canada. I sit on the board as Marketing director.
Broken Tine also has a cottage winery license and produced award winning Mead from our berries and honey from orchard. In 2019 we are opened a tasting cabin on the orchard for people to sit, relax, taste and smell different haskap berry wine. In 2022 we launched a new product called Friceys Prairie Fruit Pops, which is a creamsicle made with all local ingredients.

We are focused on increasing the Agtourism aspect in the peace region.

Dave Anderson’s fascination with the entertainment industry stretches back to his youth in Grande Prairie. That fascination, beginning in 1990, segued into several roles on the Stompede board – including that of president. During his time with Stompede, among other things, he was instrumental in the development of the Stompede Campground at Evergreen Park – now known as McGovern’s RV & Marine Campground.

Dave was elected to the Grande Prairie & District Agricultural Society (Evergreen Park) volunteer board and wore several hats with that non-profit organization including being president. Dave, the President of BuckWild, is working hard to add two more different annual entertainment events to GP. He is looking forward to continuing his role with the Grande Prairie Regional Tourism Association as a board member in a community he grew up in, loves and wants to continue to be a part of in a productive way.

Grant Berg is the owner of Grant Berg Gallery, an art gallery representing over 55 artists featuring over 50% Peace Country artists. Grant is also a Metis artist/sculptor juried into the Alberta Society of Artists and has 5 public sculptures in the city. Grant is a past member of the Premier’s Council on Culture, former Chair of the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie and previous board member of Sexsmith Museum Society and Grande Prairie Stompede among others. The gallery is also a member of Indigenous Tourism Alberta and Indigenous Tourism Canada. Grant has been in the Peace Country since 1988. Grant also brings a marketing background having a 29 year career in broadcasting prior to opening up his art gallery in May 2016.

Throughout my diverse and dynamic career, I’ve been deeply immersed in various roles, reflecting my passion for motorcycling, community engagement, and small business advocacy. Since 2010, I’ve proudly served as the Executive Director of the Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association, where I spearhead initiatives to promote rubber tire tourism and foster rider-friendly communities.

Before this, from 2003 to 2020, I charted my entrepreneurial journey with Belt Drive Betty Media, showcasing my self-driven spirit. My journey includes experiences ranging from being a Tower Operator at Hanson Ford to providing palliative care to my father.

I’ve navigated the realms of retail at Home Depot, managed floral endeavors at Flowers by Renee, and led promotions at Kingsway Inns International. Notably, my time as the Propulsion Enterprises Promotions Manager in California, where I also served as the Jet Car Crew Chief, added an exciting dimension to my career.

My educational journey has been marked by a commitment to continuous learning, including courses in event management, Adobe Photoshop, and small business training. As a lifelong learner, I’ve attended various seminars, workshops, and training courses to enhance both my personal interests and professional development.

I’ve also contributed to the community through volunteer work, from aiding during the Fort McMurray Wildfires to my ongoing involvement with Veterans Memorial Gardens. My multifaceted career is complemented by publications, including my book “Quebec for the English Speaking Rider,” and memberships in organizations like the Canadian Army Veteran’s Motorcycle Units. Passionate about motorcycling, cooking, and volunteering, I continue to weave my unique narrative in the fabric of Canadian Motorcycle Tourism and beyond.

I am excited to be a part of GPRTA. Traveling and exploring has always been a passion of mine. My family and I have taken many trips around our region as well as many other regions and love to adventure into some of the untouched beauty it has to offer.
I moved to the Peace Country in 2003 from Kitwanga B.C. My family came here for work, like many others have. This area has provided us with many opportunities and experiences.

I graduated highschool in Grande Prairie and later attended GPRC and moved on to work in our area. My background includes coaching, management, retail, banking, customer service, administration, distribution, and marketing and Sales.

In 2021 I was elected as a Councillor in the Town of Wembley. I am a proud member of many committees and have also been on the board for Beaverlodge Victim Services for many years.

Myself and my husband have two kids, a small business and a dog. We live in Wembley along with our parents and some of our siblings. Our family spends most of their free time camping, hiking, fishing and exploring.

I am excited to help showcase all the events, views, activities and talents our areas have to offer.

Shirley was recently elected as Councillor for Ward 5, as of the November 25, 2024 By-Election.

Shirley was born and raised in northern Alberta, growing up on a mixed farm north of High Prairie. She moved to Saddle Hills County with her husband in 1997, as part of her career as an Alberta Fish and Wildlife Officer. After enjoying a couple of years in retirement, Shirley went back to work, spending four years as a Peace Officer for the Alberta SPCA.

Now on her second retirement, she enjoys spending her spare time with her family, including her seven grandchildren, as well as actively participating in the Canadian Kennel Club, as a Field Tracking Judge.

She looks forward to using her experience in her new role as a Councillor.

Linden Roberts joined the Board in mid-2019 after becoming new Executive Director of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.

She brings with her global background from venues including the Ontario Science Centre, the Royal Alberta Museum, Body Worlds, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Chicago Museum of Science and Industry and, most recently, from We The Curious in Bristol, England.

As Executive Director at the museum, Linden is excited by the opportunity to bring greater recognition to the world-class, award-winning facility and to the region itself.

“We are working to expand our horizons and improve the visitor experience as an attraction. As a region, it’s important to have collaboration among all partners and stakeholders so that everyone benefits. I’m excited about working with the Board and Administration of GPRTA to promote this wonderful area.”

Linden started her career as an interactive exhibit designer and has specialized in managing leading edge or unusual exhibit projects. She attained a Bachelor of Industrial Design at Carleton University and studied engineering at the University of Toronto.

Linden’s family tolerates her globe-trotting career by joining her when they can. Her daughter is a technology geek in Toronto. She and her husband enjoy getting out with their dogs and shuffling old British sports cars around the garage.

Lisa is a Hotel General Manager with over 10 years of experience in guest services, revenue optimization, and leadership. Before that, she spent 15 years in customer service. Lisa passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and helping others grow in a supportive, positive, and challenging environment. Over the past decade, she has led her team to win multiple brand and property-level awards.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys traveling, road trips, and exploring our beautiful province. Volunteering with a local hockey organization has also been a rewarding experience for her.

Hello, my name is Ken Wittig. For the past 25 years, I have been working with Northstar Hydrovac, where I have honed my skills and gained extensive experience in the industry. At Northstar Hydrovac, I have had the opportunity to work on various projects and contribute to the growth and success of the company.

In addition to my professional career, I am also a dedicated member of the Valleyview Town Council and serving on many boards. Serving on the council for the past two years has allowed me to actively participate in decision-making processes that shape our community. I’m passionate about making positive changes and working towards the betterment of the town.

Outside of work and my council responsibilities, I have a deep love for the outdoors. You can often find me camping, enjoying a round of golf, or exploring trails on my quad. Nature rejuvenates me and provides a much-needed balance in my life.

One of my greatest joys is spending quality time with my son. We have created countless memories together, whether it’s engaging in outdoor activities or simply sharing meaningful conversations. Being a father has taught me valuable life lessons and has enriched my perspective.

Overall, my career, involvement in local government, love for the outdoors, and dedication to my family play integral roles in shaping my identity. I strive to continue growing both professionally and personally while making a positive impact on those around me.

As the County of Grande Prairie Division 7’s representative and prior service as Mayor of Hythe, Brian has honed skills in municipal governance. His background in local, provincial, and international business operations equips him with economic and strategic planning expertise. Additional skills include respectful and persuasive communication, strong negotiation, accounting expertise, and business acumen. As a perceptive listener, Brian prioritizes residents’ concerns, approaching challenges with patience and persistence to achieve meaningful outcomes.