CHICAGO — Mayor Lori Lightfoot today announced the appointment of Michelle Mills Clement to the Board of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA). Mills Clement, CEO of the Chicago Association of Realtors, is a well-regarded expert in the real estate industry and a national advocate of fair housing practices.

“Michelle Mills Clement has fought tooth and nail for equity and antiracism in the real estate industry in Chicago and beyond,” said Mayor Lori Lightfoot. “Her wealth of experience in the industry and commitment to social and economic justice have established her as one of the most inspiring minds in her field. As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle’s presence on the MPEA board will be critical in ensuring we have an equitable and inclusive recovery for everyone impacted by MPEA’s work.”

Before joining the Chicago Association of Realtors as CEO, Mills Clement served as president and CEO of the Commercial Brokers Association in Seattle and Executive Director of the NAIOP Washington State Chapter. She is also a board director of the Association Forum and a fellow of ASAE: The Center for Association Excellence.

“We are excited for the addition of Michelle Mills Clement to the Board of Directors,” said Jeffrey Bethke, MPEA Board chairman and CEO of Ingenuity Advising. “A leader throughout her career, her focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion and antiracism in real estate will provide vital experience and insight.”

Mills Clement has been an outspoken advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, antiracism, and fair housing. Her advocacy has been in the local and national spotlight through op-eds, speaking opportunities, and hosting a podcast, Texts to Table, which focuses on DEI.

Mills Clement’s accomplishments have earned her numerous awards and honors including being named to Crain’s Chicago Business’s “40 Under 40” list and the Swanepoel Power 200 List. She has earned a Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification from ASAE and a Realtor Certified Executive (RCE) certification from the National Association of Realtors. She is also an ASAE Fellow.

“Michelle Mills Clement will provide thoughtful insights and experience to the Board of Directors,” said MPEA CEO Larita Clark. “Her addition comes at an exciting time for MPEA, and we look forward to the value she will add.”

Beyond her professional experience, Mills Clement serves on the Bradley University Board of Trustees, is an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and volunteers regularly with CREW Chicago to introduce careers in commercial real estate to girls ages 12 to 18 on Chicago’s West Side.

She lives in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood with her husband, Brace, and 5-year-old son, Broyce.

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ABOUT MPEA

The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) is a municipal corporation created by the Illinois General Assembly and tasked with attracting trade shows, conventions, meetings, expositions, and public events to strengthen the economy of the State of Illinois and City of Chicago. MPEA owns the McCormick Place convention center, Wintrust Arena, and two on-site hotels, in addition to Navy Pier.

ABOUT MPEA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MPEA’s Board is comprised of nine members — four appointed by the governor and four appointed by the Chicago mayor, with the chair being selected by the Board. Board members lead MPEA in its mission to promote and create economic activity in the region.