Bill Popp is a seasoned leader with more than 50 years of experience in Alaska’s public and private sectors. From 2007 to 2023, he served as president and CEO of the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), where he guided the organization’s strategic direction to enhance Anchorage’s economic vitality, workforce development and infrastructure. During his 16-year tenure, Popp helped position Anchorage and Alaska as compelling destinations for global industries, while supporting the growth and expansion of local businesses across the state, the Lower 48 and international markets.

Popp’s professional journey spans roles in municipal government, energy policy, nonprofit leadership and private enterprise. Prior to joining AEDC, he served from 2002 to 2007 as a special assistant in the Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor’s Office, focusing on oil, gas and mining policy. From 1996 to 2002, he was an elected official on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly, serving as its president in 2000. Earlier in his career, he dedicated more than 25 years to the private sector, working for both large corporations and as a small business owner.

Among his notable achievements, Popp coordinated the design, construction and $2.5 million fundraising effort for the Challenger Learning Center for Alaska, a major educational and STEM outreach initiative.

An engaged civic leader, Popp has served on numerous boards and advisory groups, including the UAA College of Business and Public Policy Business Advisory Board, Alaska Public Media Board of Directors, Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Visit Anchorage, Anchorage Downtown Partnership, USO Alaska Business Advisory Board, Anchorage School District’s Career and Technical Education Advisory Board and Alaskan Command Civilian Advisory Board. His leadership helped shape critical responses to military force reductions at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, broadband expansion policy, energy strategy and statewide pandemic recovery.

Over the years, he has contributed to several gubernatorial and mayoral transition teams and played prominent fundraising and organizing roles in major civic and cultural events, including the 2006 Arctic Winter Games and the 2013 commissioning ceremony of the USS Anchorage.

Originally arriving in Anchorage in 1968 as a military dependent, Popp is a 1977 graduate of East Anchorage High School who studied business at UAA. A strong advocate for education, civic engagement and sustainable economic growth, Bill Popp’s career reflects a lifelong dedication to building a stronger, more resilient Alaska.