Veteran Baird & Warner leader to serve as president of one of the nation’s largest REALTOR® associations
Baird & Warner, Chicagoland’s largest independent and locally operated real estate brokerage, announced that Greg Phillips, vice president and designated managing broker of the company’s Northwest Suburban office, has been installed as president of Mainstreet REALTORS®, one of the largest REALTOR® associations in the country.
Phillips was sworn in during Mainstreet REALTORS®’ installation ceremony on Sept. 10, assuming leadership of an organization representing approximately 18,000 real estate professionals across suburban Cook, DuPage and Lake counties. As president, he will help guide the association’s efforts in advocacy, professional standards, education and member services while supporting REALTORS® and the communities they serve throughout the region.
A real estate professional for more than 30 years, Phillips joined Baird & Warner in 1994 after a successful career in the food and beverage industry. He transitioned to full-time residential sales in 1995 and spent 12 years as a top-producing broker before moving into management in 2006. For the past 17 years, he has led Baird & Warner’s Northwest Suburban office, where he has focused on coaching, training and mentoring agents while helping foster a collaborative culture centered on professionalism and client service.
“Serving as president of Mainstreet REALTORS® is an incredible honor and a responsibility I take very seriously,” Phillips said. “Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from the guidance of mentors, colleagues and industry leaders who invested in my success. This role allows me to give back to an organization that plays a critical role in supporting REALTORS® and helping members navigate an industry that continues to evolve.”
Phillips’ involvement with organized real estate began by serving on various association-level committees before joining Mainstreet’s board of directors and getting involved in state and national committees. Prior to becoming president, he served on the association’s executive leadership team as treasurer and president-elect.
As President of Mainstreet REALTORS®, Greg Phillips is focused on being a responsible steward of the association’s finances while delivering greater value to current members and attracting new ones through innovative tools, education and resources. A key recent achievement is Mainstreet becoming the only REALTOR® association in Illinois to offer healthcare options to its members, helping independent contractor agents access a benefit that is often difficult and costly to obtain on their own. Phillips sees initiatives such as this as essential to attracting and retaining members and supporting the long-term success of brokers and agents.
“Greg embodies the values that have defined Baird & Warner for generations: service, integrity, leadership and a commitment to helping others succeed,” said Steve Baird, president and CEO of Baird & Warner. “For decades, he has dedicated himself to supporting agents, strengthening our industry and elevating the professionalism of real estate practitioners throughout Chicagoland. His presidency of Mainstreet REALTORS® is a result of his hard work and advocacy and a reflection of the respect he has earned across the industry. We are proud to see him take on this deserving and important leadership role.”
Phillips views his leadership roles at Mainstreet and Baird & Warner as complementary, sharing a common goal of helping real estate professionals better serve consumers and communities.
“Strong local organizations remain essential to the future of our industry,” Phillips said. “By investing in education, advocacy and innovation, we can ensure REALTORS® have the tools, resources and support they need to thrive while continuing to guide consumers through one of the most important decisions of their lives.”
About Baird & Warner Real Estate, Inc.:
Established in 1855, family-owned Baird & Warner is Chicagoland’s largest independent real estate services company. The Baird & Warner brand has been synonymous with making real estate easier through experience, innovation and integrity for more than 170 years. Steve Baird, the firm’s fifth-generation owner, has been consistently recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders. Baird & Warner is a 10-time Chicago Tribune Top Workplace award winner, and with almost 2,700 broker associates and staff in 30 offices and comprehensive mortgage, title, insurance and relocation services, it ranks among the nation’s top real estate firms. Learn more at BairdWarner.com.

Greg Phillips, vice president and designated managing broker of Baird & Warner’s Northwest Suburban office, has been installed as president of Mainstreet REALTORS®, one of the nation’s largest REALTOR® associations representing approximately 18,000 members. (Credit Baird & Warner)