BIO

Josh Rael is an American nonprofit executive, public policy advocate, and recording artist. He has served as executive director of Alliance, a Colorado association representing organizations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), since 2014.

Occupations: Nonprofit executive, public policy advocate, recording artist
Organization: Alliance
Education: Colorado State University Pueblo (BA); University of Denver (JD); University of Colorado Denver (MPA)
Website: joshrael.com

Background and education

A Colorado native, Rael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Colorado State University Pueblo, a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, and a Master of Public Administration with a focus on nonprofit management from the University of Colorado Denver.

Nonprofit and public policy career

Alliance

Rael became executive director of Alliance in 2014. The statewide nonprofit association represents Colorado’s IDD provider agencies, case management agencies, Early Intervention Brokers, businesses, and advocacy organizations. Its member organizations serve more than 50,000 people with disabilities and employ more than 10,000 professionals across Colorado.

Alliance’s work includes public policy advocacy, legislative engagement, and the promotion of practices that strengthen services and supports for people with IDD.

National leadership

In 2022, Rael was elected to the board of directors of ANCOR, the nation’s largest IDD provider association representing over 1,800 organizations and a workforce of more than half a million professionals serving over a million individuals with IDD. His leadership roles have included chair of the State Association Executives Network and co-chair of ANCOR’s Government Relations Committee. He has also served on its Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Leadership Committee.

Government and political involvement

Rael helps lead the Colorado IDD Alliance Political Committee and has participated in political campaigns and public affairs for several decades. He previously owned a lobbying firm and worked for the Colorado Public Defender’s Office, the Colorado General Assembly, and the Walt Disney Company.

He was appointed to the Colorado Creative Industry Board in 2007 and attended President Barack Obama’s White House Hispanic Policy Conference in 2011.

Music and entertainment career

Recording

Rael’s self-titled album appeared on the Grammy nomination ballot in 2004 in the "Best Pop Vocal Album" (entry #133) and "Best Male Vocal Performance" (entry #75) categories. His album is available on iTunes.

His track “Time” was featured on the Viva Fiesta 2002 compilation CD.

Live performances

His entertainment career includes hundreds of live vocal performances, television appearances, and acting roles. He has performed the national anthem at events featuring President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Wayne Newton, Mario Lopez, and elected officials from across the United States. He has also performed at sporting venues including Mile High Stadium, the Pepsi Center, and Coors Field.

As a child, Rael opened for Selena at the Colorado State Fair. Several people who worked with Selena later contributed to his album.

Television, film, and talent management

In 2009, Rael appeared in the “Blind Date Cakes” episode of Food Network Challenge.

In the 1990s, he appeared in educational videos distributed nationally for use in elementary school classrooms.

From 2007 to 2012, he co-owned and operated Ardent Works Entertainment, a Colorado talent management company representing musicians, actors, and models. He also managed a professional dance team featured on MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew.

Awards and recognition

Rael’s professional honors include: