Michael Simpson, a 23-year real estate veteran, leads Baird & Warner’s Algonquin office as vice president and designated managing broker. He’s licensed in both Illinois and Florida.

Simpson is actively involved in the real estate industry at the local, state and national level. He is a past president of the REALTOR® Association of the Fox Valley (RAFV) and is currently co-chair of the RAFV Government Affairs Committee. He was named Realtor of the Year for the association in 2021.

At the state level, Simpson is on the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors and is the 2025 Chair of its Illinois General Assembly and Statewide Independent Expenditures Committee. He’s also the legislative contact for Sen. Donald DeWitte and Rep. Dan Ugaste.

At the national level, he’s on the National Association of REALTORS® Board of Directors and is a member of the association’s Consumer Communications Committee.

Outside of real estate, Simpson serves as chair of the Northern Kane County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Before entering real estate, Simpson worked in international transportation and logistics for 23 years. Prior to that, he became a licensed embalmer and funeral director at age 21, practicing in North Carolina.

He has been married to his wife, Dianne, for 38 years; they have three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Finalists

Maureen Forgette, CENTURY 21 Integra
Steve Hudson, COMPASS