Create professional development programs that help REALTORS® strengthen their businesses.
Protect private property rights and promote the value of REALTORS®.
Advance ethics enforcement programs that increase REALTOR® professionalism.
Protect REALTORS® by providing legal guidance and education.
Stay current on industry issues with daily news from Illinois REALTORS®, network with other professionals, attend a seminar, and keep up with industry trends through events throughout the year.
During Black History Month, Illinois REALTORS® is celebrating the accomplishments of industry leaders and partners who embody our 2021 ethos of united, strong and resilient.
Three Illinois REALTORS® who are currently making history are: Zeke Morris, Illinois REALTORS® first Black President-elect; Celeste Wheeler, REALTOR® Association of Southwestern Illinois’ (RASI) first Black President; and Nykea Pippion McGriff, Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR) first Black, female President.
Morris
Morris: The managing broker and owner of Exit Strategy Realty/EMA Management in Chicago has served on the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors and is a past president of the CAR. He served as chair of the NAR Fair Housing Act Anniversary Implementation Group and ensured housing accessibility was a core focus of the associated 2018 NAR Midyear Meetings in Washington, D.C. For his work on the 50th anniversary, he was publicly recognized by former NAR President Elizabeth Mendenhall. The Zeke Morris scholarship is awarded annually by CAR for pre- and post-license study benefiting stabilization in southside Chicago communities. Morris will assume the role of Illinois REALTORS® president in the Fall of 2021 and will be the first Black president in the association’s 103-year history.
Pippion McGriff
Pippion McGriff: The vice president for brokerage services with Coldwell Banker Realty in Chicago has served in numerous leadership positions at the local, state and national association levels. Some highlights include serving as: Federal Political Coordinator for United States Congressman Bobby Rush, past president of the Women’s Council of REALTORS® Illinois and the Illinois Real Estate Administration and Disciplinary Board by gubernatorial appointment. Pippion McGriff is the first Black, female president in CAR’s 137-year history.
Wheeler
Wheeler: A broker with RE/MAX Preferred in O’Fallon, Wheeler is a frequent volunteer leader with RASI and Illinois REALTORS® committees and community events. Wheeler is a 2018 graduate of the Illinois REALTORS® Leadership Development Program, has served on the Veterans Housing Task Force and is a part of the RPAC Fundraising Working Group and the Affordable Housing and Community Involvement Committee. Wheeler was installed as the first Black president in RASI’s 101-year history. See the bonus interview with Wheeler below.
(Check out all the stories in this Black History Month series. Keep your eyes open next week for the conversation between Dearborn REALTISTS® President Courtney Jones and Illinois REALTORS® President Sue Miller.)
