Our Team
Led by our Executive Director, the Foundation’s Staff Team works with the Board of Governors to guide investment decisions, prioritize projects, and ensure the achievement of our mandate every day.
Josh Traptow
Executive Director
Josh Traptow brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, public policy, and civic engagement to his role as Executive Director of the Alberta Real Estate Foundation.
Prior to joining AREF, Josh served as Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Calgary for close to a decade, where he championed the preservation and promotion of Calgary’s diverse and evolving heritage. During his tenure, he led the organization through a period of strategic growth, expanded its public programs, and fostered meaningful partnerships across government, industry, and the nonprofit sector.
Josh is a respected leader in Alberta’s civic and cultural landscape, with a background in governance, government relations, and external affairs. He is known for his collaborative approach, strategic mindset, and passion for building stronger communities through innovative and inclusive initiatives.
Deeply engaged in the community, Josh currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Women in Need Society (WINS) and has been a proud volunteer with the Calgary Stampede for over 15 years. He also serves on the Board of Governors and the Calgary Regional Advisory Board for the Alberta Motor Association.
His contributions to public life have been recognized with several honours, including being named one of Avenue Calgary’s Top 40 Under 40 Class of 2024, receiving the SAIT Outstanding Young Alumni Award and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond and Platinum Jubilee Medals.
Josh is excited to bring his leadership, vision, and commitment to community to AREF—guiding the Foundation’s efforts to fund and support projects that positively impact Albertans and demonstrate real estate’s potential for public good.
