Jeffrey Baker examines issues from macro and micro levels. He sees the big picture and each of the little pieces required to get there. That will come in handy when Baker takes the reins as CEO of Illinois REALTORS® in January.

  “The CEO position with Illinois REALTORS® will require me to use that combination of skills as we work to provide the best business environment possible for brokers to work in and create housing stability and opportunity for everyone,” Baker says.

Baker joined Illinois REALTORS® as legal counsel and has worked in various capacities with the association since 2014. He has gained invaluable experience in member services and operations over the years, which will be useful when he becomes just the fourth full-time leader of the organization in its 104-year history.

As part of a planned transition, Baker has spent much of the past year being groomed and mentored by Gary Clayton, who has led the organization for the past three decades. “Gary possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience,” Baker says. “I am absorbing as much information from him as possible.”

  Baker possesses an array of experience in legal affairs, government affairs and communication. He worked in political and strategic communications before transitioning to real estate 10 years ago.

  “When I began my legal career as a business and real estate attorney, I regularly handled corporate and real estate transactions of all sizes,” Baker says. “My work involved almost every issue related to brokerage and government affairs work on behalf of Realtors.”

  A native of Auburn, Baker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Arts in public policy from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

  A member of the Illinois State Bar Association, the Illinois Society of Association Executives and the American Society of Association Executives, Baker has been with Illinois REALTORS® since 2017.