The Chief Executive Officer of Illinois REALTORS®, Jeff Baker is the fourth full-time leader of the association’s more than 100-year history. This 50,000-member state voluntary trade association includes members who are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. “I’ve worked in various capacities with the association since 2014,” he explains. “I served as associate general counsel and also deputy CEO before becoming the leader in January 2021.”
A graduate of the University of Illinois Champaign, Baker earned his bachelor’s degree in political science, his master’s in public policy from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., and his juris doctor degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. Prior to joining Illinois REALTORS®, he had his own law practice and worked for the Sorling Northrup law firm in Springfield. His career also includes extensive experience working on state and congressional campaigns.
Baker was honored as a 2026 Inman Power Player, an award that recognizes executives, founders, innovators and visionaries playing crucial roles in the real estate industry. In receiving the award, he is among the most influential leaders in residential real estate. He was also nominated for the 2026 Samuel B. Shapiro Award for chief staff executive achievement for transforming housing availability and affordability into top-tier legislative priorities. While navigating one of the state’s largest trade associations through a time of immense industry evolution, he prioritizes diversity and high-quality training to ensure the industry reflects the communities it serves.
In both his legal and executive capacities, Baker has worked closely with Illinois’ elected officials to grow and strengthen the state’s housing economy including serving on the Illinois Economic Development Corporation board of directors. He has served on the National Association of REALTORS® work groups, presidential advisory groups and the legal action and association executives committees.
