Michelle Mills Clement, CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, has been added to the Board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA). Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced the appointment in a statement this week.

Created by the Illinois General Assembly, the MPEA works to bring trade shows, conventions and other public events to the city. The corporation operates out of McCormick Square campus.

With Mills Clement on the board, Lightfoot believes the MPEA will be more equitable and inclusive. “Michelle Mills Clement has fought tooth and nail for equity and antiracism in the real estate industry in Chicago and beyond,” Lightfoot said. “Her wealth of experience in the industry and commitment to social and economic justice have established her as one of the most inspiring minds in her field.”

Jeffrey Bethke, MPEA Board chairman and CEO of Ingenuity Advising, also expressed excitement over the addition of Mills Clement. “A leader throughout her career, her focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion and antiracism in real estate will provide vital experience and insight,” he said.

Mills Clement is also an advocate for fair housing. She outlined that platform in Chicago Agent early last year, reflecting on CAR’s official apology for perpetuating and endorsing segregation policies. In her column, Mills Clement encouraged agents to expand their networks and make use of fair housing continuing courses.

Mills Clement has been named on Crain’s Chicago Business’s “40 Under 40” list and the Swanepoel Power 200 List. She was also Chicago Agents’ 2021 Agents’ Choice Award Winner as Association CEO.

As MPEA CEO Larita Clark concluded in the statement: “Michelle Mills Clement will provide thoughtful insights and experience to the Board of Directors.”