Illinois REALTORS® has hired three legislative professionals to lobby for the organization in Springfield, Chicago and Cook County, including the replacement of Greg St. Aubin, who represented Illinois REALTORS® at the state capital for 30 years until his recent retirement. 

Melia Carter, who most recently served as Verizon’s senior director for state government affairs, replaced St. Aubin as vice president of governmental affairs. In her new role, she’ll manage Illinois REALTORS®’ 12-member team of state and local governmental affairs professionals. 

Anne Emerson and Audrey Harding were named local governmental affairs directors for Chicago and Cook County, respectively. 

Emerson most recently served as senior vice president of Mercury Public Affairs and will work with Chicago’s City Council and Mayor’s Office. Harding, the former senior legislative assistant for intergovernmental affairs at the Office of the Mayor of Chicago, will work with the Cook County Board of Commissioners. 

“Combined with our existing talented governmental affairs experts, the premier and seasoned talent we are adding enables Illinois REALTORS® to continue being the leading and most effective voice on housing policy throughout the state,” Illinois REALTORS® CEO Jeff Baker said. “This is a strategic investment to equip Illinois REALTORS® with unmatched resources and to continue securing policies that increase housing inventory, incentivize homebuying and thwart burdensome property tax hikes and regulations.”