Several months after completing a historic term as Illinois REALTORS® 2022 president and being named the 2023 Illinois REALTOR® of the Year, Ezekiel “Zeke” Morris had the opportunity to put it in perspective.

“I feel that being named REALTOR® of the Year was an affirmation by my peers that I served Illinois REALTORS® as president with honor and respect, as expected by our membership,” said Morris, the first African American president in the association’s history. “There is no greater honor than one given by your peers.”

Morris is the designated managing broker of EXIT Strategy Realty/EMA Management on the South Side of Chicago. With more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, he’s worked in many roles and his experiences have been diverse. He’s worn the mantle of leader for many years in his business, within his church and in the community, and he seems to look at the most recent recognition as a seasoned leader would.

“In order to stay relevant in our industry, you never stop learning, evolving and mentoring others towards the value of volunteer leadership,” Morris says, while acknowledging leadership comes with supporters and critics. “Always take time to listen to others, as it helps to build consensus in the decision-making process, and although it may be difficult, learn to be comfortable in uncomfortable situations, while allowing others to maintain their dignity.

“As you ascend in leadership you are influenced most by the people who support you because at the end of the day the most important people are the ones who stand with you, encourage you and keep you grounded,” he says. “The most important part of being a leader is to remember that true success comes from a team effort and as much as possible, try to celebrate the people who work unselfishly on your behalf because they believe in your dreams and aspirations.”

In addition to honoring Morris at a statewide banquet in late April, Illinois REALTORS® also celebrated 23 REALTORS® of the Year selected by local associations.

Morris began his real estate career in 1989. He is a member and past president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® and was named its 2013 REALTOR® of the Year. The Chicago association awards Zeke Morris Scholarships supporting the education efforts of those who have shown a commitment to the stabilization and economic development of south and west sides of Chicago.

At the state level, Morris has been involved in working groups and committees and has chaired the Executive Committee, Finance Committee, Housing Opportunity Working Group, the Bylaws Committee, the Public Policy and Government Affairs Member Involvement Group and the State Legislative Contacts Working Group. He has served multiple terms on the Illinois REALTORS® Board of Directors.

Morris is part of an elite group of REALTORS® nationwide who have been inducted into the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) Hall of Fame for aggregate lifetime contributions of at least $25,000.

For the National Association of REALTORS®, he’s served on its board of directors and was its 2020 Liaison for Community Engagement. Morris has served on a variety of committees, including Housing Opportunity, Diversity, Federal Housing Policy, Risk Management Issues, State and Local Issues Policy Committee, Smart Growth Advisory Board and the Multicultural Real Estate Leadership Advisory Group. He chaired NAR’s Fair Housing Act Anniversary Working Group and the Fair Housing Act Anniversary Implementation Group and helped spearhead the national association’s efforts to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fair Housing Act in 2018.

He also serves as president of the board of directors for Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Inc., a Chicago human services organization that offers educational programs, child development, senior services, vocational training, mental health and residential services. He is a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago and is involved in its housing ministry.

“The most important thing is to maintain balance throughout life and as I moved through the chairs along with the onset of COVID-19, I took a step back with the Trinity United Church of Christ housing ministry,” he says. “Now that I have completed my presidency, I am ready to re-engage and serve as a resource to the community through the church. With Ada S. McKinley, my role has evolved from its board of directors to being chair. As chair, I work with the CEO as oversight and guidance. Additionally, we have spent the last three years recruiting, mentoring and encouraging new members of the board to assume leadership roles, from committee chairs to officers. My goal is move to the emeritus board within the next two to three years.”