New Executive Director will lead Foundation into its thirtieth year

The Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF) is pleased to announce that Patti Morris will become its new Executive Director.

“I am eager to be part of AREF at such an exciting time,” said Patti. “After 30 great years of delivering value to Albertans, AREF is ready to refresh and renew and there couldn’t be a more challenging and rewarding time to help guide the organization”.

“The Board of Governors is committed to our 2021 Interim Strategic Plan,” said Doug Leighton, Foundation Chair. “Patti is ideally suited to help us reach the important objectives of reviewing our governance and operations, reconnecting with stakeholders and the public, and renewing our outcomes to best deliver on our mandate. She has the expertise to help us reach those goals.”

Patti’s experience is highlighted by over 30 years of innovative strategic thinking, strong organizational capability, and inspiring leadership. She has a deep understanding of how non-profits operate and a personal interest in the real estate industry. Most recently, Patti was the Chief Executive Officer at Wellspring Calgary where she led the effective start-up of the non-profit company and charity and oversaw its growth in the quality of offerings, satisfaction with services, and collaborative relationships.

Patti also serves as Director of the Calgary Firefighters Benevolent Fund Society and has been a member of several provincial health advisory committees. She was previously the Chair of the Calgary Chamber of Volunteer Organizations (CCVO) and the Citizen Advocacy Society of Calgary. She served as a Committee Member on the Calgary Foundation’s Education and Lifelong Learning Grant Committee.

AREF also recently announced Janice Resch as Chair-Elect and future Chair of the Board of Governors effective November 1, 2021. Resch has been a member of the Board of Governors since 2018 as an appointment of the Alberta Real Estate Association (AREA). She has 25 years’ experience in real estate in Red Deer and has been deeply involved in several real estate organizations.

“My priority is to support the outreach and engagement of the Foundation’s stakeholders and beneficiaries,” said Resch. “I want to partner with real estate professionals and the public to advance the wonderful projects and organizations that AREF supports throughout Alberta.”

In 2021, the Alberta Real Estate Foundation will celebrate thirty successful years of delivering its mandate. This 30th Anniversary will be an opportunity for the Foundation to complete its review of governance and operations, reconnect with its stakeholders, and renew how it benefits the real estate industry and Alberta’s communities in an even more impactful manner.