Get to Know Our Team!
ACWB is led by a team of skilled professionals and dedicated board members who bring expertise in the arts, nonprofit leadership, community development, and creative industries. Together, they work to advance our mission of building a thriving community through the arts.
Our Staff







Liana Wheeldon is the Executive Director for Arts Council Wood Buffalo, leading the staff team in delivering on the organization’s strategic priorities and key performance ndicators. Liana oversees all operations, including fund development and stakeholder relations, ensuring alignment with ACWB’s mission and long-term vision.
With over 25 years of leadership experience in large format retail environments, and over ten years in the non-profit sector, Liana brings expertise in financial and human resource management, organisational development, and operational innovation. In 2022, Liana was recognized with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for her dedication to advancing the region’s arts locally and provincially.
An accomplished visual artist, Liana uses art as a tool for storytelling, engagement, and social change. Liana’s work is held in private collections worldwide.
Diane Din Ebongue is ACWB's Partnerships Manager. She manages fund development initiatives and strategic partnerships that strengthen the regional arts ecosystem.
With 15 years of international experience in arts management, social innovation and digital media, Diane brings a unique blend of technical expertise, creative strategy, and cross-cultural fluency to her work. Her multidisciplinary approach equips her to engage communities and partners through collaborative and adaptive processes.
Diane's experience includes leading a multidisciplinary art centre in Australia, managing public-private partnerships across four continents, experimenting with new governance models leveraging digital culture and prototyping/implementing community-driven innovation hubs.
She holds a Master's Degree in Sciences, Arts and Techniques of Image and Sound from Aix-Marseille University and a Master of Technologies for Education and Training from Rennes 2 University in France. Diane is also a graduate of the Rozsa Arts Management program at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business.
Emma Carter is the Engagement Manager at Arts Council Wood Buffalo, where she leads all communications and engagement initiatives, including membership services, marketing, media relations, special events, and community outreach.
With a background in both the performing and literary arts, Emma brings expertise in arts-based communications, public programming, and audience engagement. Her work supports the organisation’s mission to build a thriving community through the arts by connecting artists and audiences across the region.
Emma holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and Theatre from the University of Victoria and a Management & Supervision Certificate from Keyano College and MacEwan University. She is also completing a certificate in Visual Design, specialising in Art Theory and Practice, through the University of Calgary.
A multi-disciplinary artist and experienced arts educator, Emma is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for creative exploration, collaboration, and critical thinking.
Donna Aubichon is the Rural Arts Support Program Coordinator at Arts Council Wood Buffalo. She is based in Fort Chipewyan, where she coordinates an array of ongoing community programming while supporting the development of initiatives and services that reflect the unique needs, interests, and cultural traditions of the community.
Donna brings a depth of experience in the arts and a passion for community-building, with a strong focus on creating opportunities for residents to engage with the arts and connect through shared creative experiences. Her work supports participation in the arts, culture, and traditions of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, fostering meaningful community engagement through accessible and locally informed programming.
Michelle Foran is a Rural Arts Support Program (RASP) Coordinator with Arts Council Wood Buffalo, where she supports and delivers arts programming, events, and services to rural, Indigenous, and non-Indigenous communities across the Wood Buffalo region.
With a strong foundation in community arts and craft-based practices, Michelle brings a multidisciplinary background and a deep appreciation for collaboration, cultural connection, and creative engagement. Her experience working in diverse artistic disciplines—ranging from woodworking and textiles to sculpture and photography—gives her a unique perspective on supporting artists and facilitating inclusive programming in rural settings.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Installation from OCAD University and an Honours Bachelor of Craft and Design in Furniture Design from Sheridan College. Originally from Toronto, she has spent the past several years exploring her own creativity through the lens of personal history, cultural context, and traditional crafts.
As a Rural Arts Support Program Coordinator, Michelle is committed to supporting the creative visions of community members and ensuring accessible, culturally relevant opportunities for artistic expression throughout the region.
T.J. is the Engagement Coordinator at Arts Council Wood Buffalo, where he serves as the primary contact for membership and leads engagement initiatives across the region. His work focuses on strengthening connections within the creative community and fostering meaningful opportunities for participation.
With a background in community programming and outreach, T.J. brings experience supporting families, youth, and diverse populations across Wood Buffalo. He is known for creating welcoming, inclusive spaces that encourage connection and ongoing engagement.
A long-time resident of the region, T.J. is actively involved in the local arts community through theatre, both as a performer and youth instructor. He also maintains a personal creative practice that includes drawing, painting, and singing. T.J. studied Culinary Arts at George Brown College in Toronto, where he developed a hands-on, innovative approach that continues to inform his work.
Jerome is the Programs Support staff member at Arts Council Wood Buffalo, where he supports the successful delivery of programs, activities, and events across the region. His work helps foster meaningful opportunities for community participation in the arts and supports the organisation’s ongoing service to artists, creatives, and residents throughout Wood Buffalo.
With a background in program coordination, Jerome brings experience planning and delivering community initiatives for a wide range of age groups. His strengths in community engagement, collaboration, and event delivery contribute to positive experiences for participants and partners alike.
Born and raised in the region, Jerome has a longstanding commitment to community involvement and volunteerism. He studied Communication Studies in Calgary, developing expertise in public engagement and creative communication. In recognition of his dedication to community service, he received the Mayor’s Youth Citizenship Award. Jerome is passionate about supporting local arts and culture and helping create welcoming, connected communities throughout Wood Buffalo.
Board of Directors











Will moved to Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo for the arts. He arrived in 2006, and has lived in this community longer than anywhere else in the world – and he wouldn’t dream of leaving.
Will believes in the power of art, and has experienced first-hand all the benefits of being a part of the Arts Council Wood Buffalo community. A community that brings possibility, connection, acceptance, empowerment, inspiration, and transformation. It also cultivates good health and well-being, great friends, and unforgettable memories. He believes that Arts Council Wood Buffalo has something to offer literally everyone – from artists, to arts lovers, to those who don’t quite know what to think of art.
Will joined the Board of Directors to help build a thriving community through the arts. He brings his skills as a professional writer and communicator, his experience working in several areas of municipal government, his lessons learned as a world traveller and educator, and, of course, his obsession for the arts.
Nabil is a progressive and creative contributor (in a small way) to the cultural fabric of our region. He is a strong advocate of the arts' vital role in placemaking, creating vibrant communities, and fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
He has witnessed the impact ACWB has had on the local arts ecosystem and the broader region. As Chair and Vice-Chair of the RMWB Public Art Committee, Nabil has had the opportunity to see how well ACWB works with partners to make lasting and meaningful opportunities for artists. He has always thought of ACWB as an essential institution within our region; however, as a Board Member with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, he has also realized its importance within the broader provincial arts ecosystem. Since moving to Alberta from Ontario, he has had the honour and privilege to serve on many boards for organizations. Many of his appointments have been with organizations in transition, and he believes that ACWB is currently going through a transition as it looks to establish the region’s first arts incubator. Nabil has the experience to support the path that ACWB will be taking from a governance perspective and through his professional understanding of the developing process within the region. He believes the next few years are very exciting for ACWB, and would like to play a role in the excitement. He has deep roots within the community, and is proud to call the region his home. It is his fundamental belief that it is through the arts that great communities are built. The work that ACWB does daily helps support and strengthen our region’s cultural fabric for the betterment of all residents and visitors.
Luie is a passionate father of two and a hard-working leader at Suncor. He is particularly interested in theatre, music, and graphic arts as an observer and audience member rather than as an artist. Luie values the positive impact the Arts can have on a community. He has seen the benefits the arts provide through his daughters experiences in speech and theatre arts, growing their confidence, and making them more well-rounded people through these creative outlets that bring them happiness.
Luie is a seasoned leader with experience managing projects, leading diverse teams, providing budget oversight, and making difficult decisions. Luie’s diverse experiences and current role leading large turnaround events at Suncor planning and executive large-scale events to repair and enhance the operating facilities which takes years of preparation to achieve safely and efficiently. These experiences would help Luie to guide ACWB's projects and initiatives in a similar manner.
Celia grew up in the Fort McMurray region and is proud to call it home. From an early age, she immersed herself in the performing arts, including dance, musical theatre, and piano, taking every opportunity to be on stage. She has also explored photography and other creative outlets over the years, further fueling her artistic passions.
Recognizing the region’s limited artistic opportunities during her childhood, Celia is now dedicated to fostering a thriving arts community. She is excited to join Arts Council Wood Buffalo board of directors, supporting its mission to build a thriving arts community. Celia remains an advocate for the arts community, ensuring it continues to grow and thrive for future generations.
Dawn Booth is a community journalist, communications expert, storyteller and poet. With 20 years of experience in the print media field, the Humber College journalism graduate has worked as a newspaper and magazine editor in the Wood Buffalo region for over a decade. She was born and raised in the Ottawa Valley but Fort McMurray is where she made her career and started her family of five, including her husband, two sons and daughter.
In the community, she is an ambassador for the literary arts and the President of the Northern Collective Society of Writers, which is a volunteer-based committee that publishes the literary magazine, NorthWord, bi-annually. As a poet, she won awards and accolades from organizations and institutions, including the Arts Council Wood Buffalo, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and the Wood Buffalo Regional Library.
Ashley Brockway has been a music educator in the Fort McMurray Public School Division for over a decade, offering programming for Grades 7-12 instrumental music, musical theatre, and general music at Ecole McTavish High School. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Dalhousie University, a Bachelor of Education degree from St. Thomas University, and a Masters of Education degree in Curriculum Studies with a focus in Music Education from Acadia University. Through her work as a teacher she has co-directed numerous musical theatre productions here in Fort McMurray, and has travelled internationally with her instrumental ensembles and choirs to perform and compete in festivals. In the community she is a member of the Fort McMurray Community Concert Band as a flutist and percussionist, and enjoys volunteering and collaborating with various non-profits, especially arts organizations. She is passionate about fostering safe and inclusive spaces for youth in our region, and is a fierce advocate for the arts and arts education.
Jeffory Magson is a graduate of Keyano College’s Visual and Performing Arts Program. After studying Cultural Management at the University of Waterloo, Jeffory began work at the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. In his 8 years there he had a hand in Fundraising, Volunteer Management, Community Engagement, and was the go-to tour docent at the Francis Winspear Centre for Music. Having returned to Fort McMurray in 2021 with his wife and children, Jeffory has been blown away with the growth and diversity in the RMWB arts scene. Now working for Keyano Theatre & Arts Centre, he is thrilled to have the opportunity to advocate for the Arts as part of the ACWB Board.
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.