Calgary, Alberta—the Minister of Service Alberta has appointed Elan MacDonald, ICD.D, as the new Board Chair of the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA). MacDonald will officially assume the role as Chair on October 1, 2022. David James had previously served as RECA’s Interim Board Chair.
MacDonald brings extensive experience in government relations and communications to the Board with a career spanning over 25 years. MacDonald is currently the Vice President, External Relations at the University of Alberta, and has spent her career advising organizations and corporations across Alberta on how to grow and sustain their businesses by navigating government, policy development, and the regulatory and legislative processes. She is also the Past Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce and a Director on numerous boards across Alberta. MacDonald also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Political Advisor to two Alberta Premiers, and as a political advisor to several Cabinet Ministers.
“On behalf of RECA, I want to welcome Ms. MacDonald as the new Board Chair,” said RECA CEO Russ Morrow, “I look forward to working closely with Elan as we ensure RECA fulfills its consumer protection mandate and remains focused on its new strategic direction. As we move forward, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to David James for his work and guidance as the Interim Chair over the past several months.”
“I want to take this opportunity to thank the other Board members, the Industry Councils, CEO and staff at RECA, and all the stakeholders I have worked with over the past several months,” said Interim Board Chair David James. “The real estate industry is a pivotal sector of Alberta’s economy with professionals working with businesses and individuals on some of the biggest decisions they make. I know Ms. MacDonald will bring her passion and extensive experience to ensure real estate regulation in Alberta moves forward in the public interest.”
The Chair will lead the Board and ensure it effectively sets the strategic direction for all of RECA and provides for smooth communication and collaboration between the Industry Councils.
“I feel very privileged to be appointed as the RECA Board Chair,” said MacDonald. “I look forward to working closely with the other Board members, Industry Councils and RECA administration. I can’t wait to hit the ground running.”
“RECA will undertake important and comprehensive consultation on the Real Estate Act Rules in the coming months,” continued MacDonald. “As Chair, I look forward to working with the Board, the Industry Councils, and management to ensure stakeholders have meaningful input during the review, and to help improve RECA’s strategic direction.”
The Board of Directors is composed of three members of the public appointed by the Minister of Service Alberta, and four licensees, one appointed from each of the four Industry Councils from among their licensee members. Board members are appointed for terms up to three years and can serve two terms consecutively.
