Anna Pottie moved to Fort McMurray in 2013 with a carefully considered two-year plan to build a career in communications and development in the nonprofit sector. Like many good plans in the north, it didn’t last. More than a decade later, Anna has fallen in love with the community, its people and its undeniable uniqueness - proudly calling the region home with her husband, a local musician.

Anna is passionate about community wellbeing and believes that access to art - whether viewing it, creating it, or bravely trying something new - is essential to a healthy region. She joined the Arts Council Wood Buffalo Board in 2025, inspired by opportunities like artist-led workshops and community programming that invite creativity at all levels. Anna also serves on the board of the Northern Collective Society of Writers, a volunteer-run organization that publishes the literary magazine NorthWord bi-annually. She firmly believes art is crucial to mental health and is committed to helping foster a region where creativity is encouraged, accessible and celebrated.