Jim Saunders, an Associate with RE/MAX Real Estate Lethbridge, has been named the fifteenth Chair of the Board of Governors of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation, effective April 1, 2018.

Jim was first appointed to the Board in 2015 by the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA). As a Past President and long-term Director of AREA, Jim has been watching the Foundation evolve since its inception in 1992. Over the last 26 years he’s seen the impact of the Foundation’s community investment program. “As a practicing Realtor, both my clients and I have benefitted from many of the resources made available to buyers, sellers, and investors,” Jim says. “These resources were the direct results of AREF’s funding initiatives.”

Jim was raised in Lethbridge and calls Southern Alberta home. He graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in 1978. He financed his education working as a self-employed contractor and started a successful automotive specialty business while still in school. Jim sold that business in 1982 to pursue a career in Real Estate.

In 1983, the year he was first licensed, Jim was awarded the “Rookie of the Year” by the Lethbridge Real Estate Board. Thirty-five years later, Jim has been recognized through membership of the RE/MAX Platinum Club and the RE/MAX Hall of Fame.

Early in his career Jim began volunteering on various industry committees and participating at the local, provincial and national levels—specifically the Lethbridge And District Association Of REALTORS® (where he is a Past President), Alberta Real Estate Association (Past President), the Real Estate Council of Alberta, and the Canadian Real Estate Association.

Jim’s first priority in his new role as Chair is ensuring the Foundation remains nimble and timely when serving Alberta’s communities. “With the rapidly changing landscape in Alberta—politically, technologically, economically and environmentally—we need to make sure we are focussed on making a difference where it matters most to Albertans,” Jim says. “My previous board experiences have taught me the importance of not just maintaining the focus of the organization, but continually redefining the goals.”

Jim is looking forward to continuing to work with the Foundation’s Board of Governors as Chair. “The wide range of experiences and perspectives of the Governors is our greatest asset, and by drawing on such varied and unique backgrounds we have an opportunity to create a dynamic, focused team,” he says. “The Foundation is in a strong fiscal position going into 2018 and 2019, with substantial funds available both from investment earnings and trust fund income. Coupled with an experienced, dedicated staff and an enthusiastic Board of Governors, we are aligned to make things happen in our communities.”

Jim will serve a two year term as Chair of the Board. His experience in the industry and insight on community initiatives will bring much value to the Foundation.