In 33 years as Chief Executive Officer of Illinois REALTORS®, Gary Clayton has built a reputation as a strategic visionary; someone who is always thinking two or three steps ahead.
In the late 1990s, when the association decided to bring community lobbying efforts in-house into what has become the Governmental Affairs Director program, Clayton didn’t just expand it, he perfected it into a local advocacy model that is used by other REALTOR® associations around the country.
“One of the things that is trademark Gary in terms of his leadership and management style is identifying a need and coming up with an innovative way that not only addresses it, but also allows it to grow and deliver results exponentially over time,” says Greg St. Aubin, Illinois REALTORS®’ Senior Vice President, Governmental Affairs, who has worked for Clayton since 1987.
Clayton has grown the association into a political and professional powerhouse.
With more than 50,000 REALTOR® members from all areas of the state, the association is a nationally recognized industry leader when it comes to governmental advocacy, professional development, pursuit of high ethical standards and outreach to members.
Clayton retires as CEO at the end of this year and Deputy CEO Jeff Baker will take over the leadership role beginning in 2021. But Clayton, who has long been the association’s biggest advocate, will remain involved and active in the Illinois REALTORS®’ mission and work.
“Gary’s visionary leadership has put us on a solid foundation to build upon in the future. I feel fortunate to have been able to work side-by-side with Gary for more than a year leading our organization through the pandemic and initiating new programming like ROI.”
– Deputy CEO Jeff Baker
Breaking ground on the new headquarters in downtown Springfield in 2005. (l to r) 2005 Illinois REALTORS® President John Veneris, Clayton, 2006 President Stan Sieron, President-elect Bob Zoretich and Treasurer Kay Wirth.
Building a better association
With a diverse professional background that included stints as a postal inspector for the U.S. Postal Service, deputy director of the Illinois Department of Law Enforcement’s Internal Investigation Division and finally, eight years as director of the Illinois Department of Registration and Education before moving to Illinois REALTORS®, Clayton has been the right leader at the right time.
There is an often-told story that encapsulates his early and enduring commitment to the association and his determination to make sure it succeeded.
When Clayton took the helm in 1987, the association was struggling financially. Just months into his new job, he signed for a personal line of credit to ensure that staff payroll was met until the organization was on stronger financial footing.
It didn’t have to be used but it is the kind of steadfast, “taking care of business without a lot of fanfare” approach that has been indicative of Clayton’s tenure as CEO.
Over the years, Clayton has grown the association with innovative programs, increased member engagement and a vision for improving the professionalism and stature of the real estate industry. Many of those ideas have become cornerstones of the association.
Clayton and his wife Marsha at the association’s Inaugural Gala in 2015. Photo by Michael Hudson Photography
Professionalism at its best
One overarching goal has been increased professionalism not just for the association but also for every member. REALTORS® who are held to the highest education and professional development standards championed by Clayton are better prepared to serve their clients.
In the early 1990s, the association pushed for continuing education (CE) to be required for all real estate licensees. Illinois REALTORS® eventually created its own CE and pre-license school to get members the training they needed.
Under Clayton’s watch, Illinois REALTORS® has been involved in multiple license law rewrites and has taken an active role in shaping and improving the rules under which Illinois real estate professionals operate.
In 2014, the association created one of the first Ethics Citation and Ombudsman programs to further improve adherence to the highest ethics and standards of practice.
Illinois REALTORS® is consistently regarded in the industry as a state association to watch and has a long track record of its leaders and members serving at the national level.
“Illinois REALTORS® shines a huge spotlight on the professional development of its members, leadership and staff,” says REALTOR® and professional development trainer Chris Read. “Gary Clayton, as only the best of leaders do, leads by example and is a master at empowering others to innovate, to create, to address issues head on, and to strategically improve services and resources for its members. Our state association has been so fortunate to have this man as part of our history and growth.”
Gov. Jim Edgar signing legislation into law requiring voter approval on Home Rule real estate transfer taxes in 1997. (l to r) REALTOR® Marion Valle, Julie Sullivan, 1997 Illinois REALTORS® President Pat Delssandro, Gov. Edgar, Clayton, Greg St. Aubin and REALTOR® Dick Lessner.
Advocating in Springfield and beyond
Illinois REALTORS® is headquartered in the state’s capital city, but its political advocacy efforts are far-reaching and much of that can be attributed to Clayton and his vision for what is possible when it comes to representing REALTOR® interests and advancing private property rights.
One key to successful advocacy is support through the REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC). Clayton, who in 2016 became the first Illinois member to achieve the $75,000 RPAC Hall of Fame for lifetime giving, has made supporting RPAC a priority for the association.
With its strong advocacy efforts at the local, state and national levels, Illinois REALTORS® under the direction of Clayton, has become and leading and respected voice of real estate.
Loretta Alonzo-Deubel served as president of Illinois REALTORS® in 2012. Earlier in her career, she was in the association’s first-ever Leadership Development Class, led by Clayton.
“That is when I became aware of his understanding of the advocacy process and how much he knew regarding our lobbying effects and the knowledge he had regarding the whole process,” she said. “Since then, I have seen Gary negotiate with Illinois officials regarding license law matters and other property-rights issues that have come up during many years. He always showed an even temperament, but I always knew that he had a passion and care for our profession.”
In 2010, a 32-member team representing Illinois REALTORS® volunteered on a Habitat for Humanity build in New Orleans, as part of rebuilding efforts on the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina.
Developing leaders
A successful leader has a knack for recognizing and fostering the leadership potential of others and over the years, Clayton has made leadership development an integral part of the association’s work.
Through committee work, leadership training programs and encouragement to serve in all levels of the REALTOR® organization, Illinois REALTOR® members are given opportunities to grow and become involved and many have come to view Clayton as a mentor.
He has led by example, not just with his work for the state association, but also his ongoing service on a variety of committee and board leadership roles for the National Association of REALTORS® and in the greater community.
When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf area, Clayton and Illinois REALTORS® participated in multiple Habitat for Humanity builds. When natural disasters impacted Illinois communities, the association created the Illinois REALTORS® Relief Foundation to offer aid.
The message was clear: Illinois REALTORS® step up when communities need them.
Throughout his CEO career, Clayton has been lauded for his leadership efforts, but he has also created a lasting incubator within the association to instill those goals in others.
Sheryl Grider Whitehurst served as president of Illinois REALTORS® in 2011. One of the things that always stood out to her was how Clayton would offer quiet guidance, but he allowed and encouraged association officers to lead. Some CEOs might think it was their association, but Clayton always emphasized that it was the members’ association.
“You knew you could ask him for his counsel, and he would step in if needed,” she said. “But other than that, he let you take on the role and gain the strength and experience to be a good leader.”
Leadership: Paying it forward
The Gary L. Clayton Scholarship has been established in 2020 as a tribute to his commitment to the REALTOR® organization and his dedication to leadership.
The $1,000 scholarship will be open to Illinois REALTORS® to be used for the continuation and expansion of their leadership skills in a real estate-related field.
The scholarship may be awarded for leadership training in a real estate-related field provided through the local, state or National Association of REALTORS®, its institutes, societies and councils and similar organizations.
Learn more about how to apply at www.ilreef.org
With the Bicentennial Plaza – A REALTOR® Community Partnership, REALTORS® played a role in creating a lasting legacy showcasing Springfield’s history and its ties to Abraham Lincoln and his vision for equal opportunity for all.
Bicentennial Plaza and a legacy
Illinois REALTORS® celebrated 100 years in 2016 and as the association’s legacy has grown over the years, so has its presence in Springfield.
Clayton was instrumental in getting Illinois REALTORS® headquarters, completed in 2007 and paid off by 2012, built at its location within view of the Illinois State Capitol building. The prominent location reflects the association’s commitment to governmental advocacy.
Another lasting legacy: The Bicentennial Plaza – a REALTOR® Community Partnership, a pedestrian walkway next to the Illinois REALTORS® headquarters that showcases Springfield’s history and ties to Abraham Lincoln.
Calls to connect several historic areas of Springfield had percolated for years, but it wasn’t until Clayton and Illinois REALTORS® picked up the cause and championed it that it became reality. Now the public plaza is another lasting example of REALTORS® and their partnerships in communities.
“Gary has the innate ability to take an idea or vision and knows what the end result should look like,” says Mike Drews, who led Illinois REALTORS® as president in 2016. “He brings together the REALTORS® and community partners in the spirit of cooperation to bring that idea or vision to reality.”
A new transition
Illinois REALTORS® is transitioning into a new leadership era, but the foundation has been laid to ensure the association’s ongoing and future success. Clayton may be wrapping up his time as CEO, but he will continue to do what he has done so well for the last 30-plus years: advocate for the REALTOR® cause at every level.
