Mary B. Schaefer, CAE, has served as Director of Communications for the Illinois Association of REALTORS since 1988. In this position, she serves as editor-in-chief of the award winning Illinois REALTOR magazine and also serves as staff spokesperson for the Association to the news media and the public. She oversees production of all Association publications, electronic newsletters and the IAR Web Site. During her tenure, she has implemented a comprehensive statewide housing statistical program and also conducts spokesperson training seminars. She serves as staff resource counsel on departmental operations to IAR Leadership, Executive Committee and the IAR Board of Directors. She also serves as staff liaison to the International Working Group and launched a statewide international program that received national recognition for its achievements.

She has been in the association management field for 20 years. Prior to joining IAR, she was Director of Communications for the Illinois State Dental Society for six years. She has obtained the Certified Association Executive Designation, the highest honor of professional achievement from the American Society of Association Executives. She is a past president of the Illinois Society of Association Executives and was awarded the Association Excellence Award from ISAE in 1998. She is an active member of Illinois Women in Leadership, Illinois Society of Association of Executives and Springfield Chamber of Commerce.