Dawn Peters
For nearly a quarter century, NIU’s Dawn Peters has supported, trained and connected local government professionals in her roles as executive director of the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA), the Wisconsin City/County Management Association (WCMA) and the Midwest Leadership Institute. As a team member of the NIU Center for Governmental Studies (CGS) in the Department of Public Affairs, Engagement and Regional Development, Peters says her job is her passion.
This year, the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) recognizes Peters for her passionate work in advancing the profession with the inaugural Advocacy for the Profession Award in Honor of Martha Perego. This award recognizes an outstanding ICMA member who has made a significant contribution to raising awareness of the council-manager form of government, promoting the ICMA Code of Ethics, and supporting the growth of the local government management profession worldwide. Peters will be honored at the ICMA Annual Conference, September 21-25, 2024.
“We are thrilled that Dawn’s work is being recognized with this award,” said Rena Cotsones, Ph.D., vice president of the Division of Public Affairs, Engagement and Regional Development. “She has dedicated her career to fostering the professional, intellectual and ethical growth of local government managers, helping to make a difference in countless communities across our region and beyond.”
“I am very honored to be recognized by my peers at ICMA,” says Peters. “I have had the privilege of helping city and county managers and administrators lead their communities and organizations to success. I have always hoped that I would make a difference in their ability to serve.”
Peters’ colleagues praise her “unwavering commitment to diversity, inclusion and professional ethics” and value her as a “true and tireless ambassador in the service of professional local government administration.” The team of four city managers who nominated her for the award added that Dawn “skilfully provides advice, recommendations and constructive and practical feedback.”
Phil Kiraly, ILCMA President and community leader of Glencoe, Illinois, noted, “Dawn Peters is one of the most honest and staunch advocates for the value and importance of professional local government management. Dawn’s talents are valued and recognized by ILCMA members as well as our colleagues across the country and around the world.”
Dawn Peters joined the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University in 2001 as a research associate in economic and community development and association management. She currently serves as the associate director and leads the association management team. Prior to joining CGS, Dawn was the coordinator of the Master of Public Administration program at Northern Illinois University. Dawn holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northern Illinois University.
Peters says she has dedicated her career to supporting local government managers because they can make a positive difference to communities.
“Local government administration is a profession where you are closest to the people you serve,” she says. “It’s an honorable profession and not for the faint of heart, but you can really make a positive difference in the lives of others.”
ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, promotes professional local management worldwide. The organization’s mission is to create excellent local management through the development and promotion of professional management to create livable communities that improve people’s lives.
For more than 50 years, the NIU Center for Governmental Studies has provided the expertise city and county decision makers need to implement efficient, sustainable and cost-effective policies and programs. It combines past experiences and current best practices to help Illinois communities meet current needs and prepare for the future. For more information about the NIU Center for Governmental Studies, visit cgs.niu.edu/.
