Davis Offutt, the Aurora Township Assessor, was recently awarded the 2020 Marshall Theroux Memorial Award in recognition of his long career in property assessment, contributions to the industry, and dedication to community service. Offutt received the Theroux Award at the Illinois Property Assessment Institute’s 62nd Annual Conference held at the Marriott Hotel in Normal, Illinois during the third week of October. The Theroux Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual in the Illinois property assessment industry.

Nominees for the annual Marshall Theroux Memorial Award are submitted from around Illinois. The winner is determined by the Board of Directors of the Illinois Property Assessment Institute. Offutt was nominated for the award by a dozen colleagues from throughout the state.

“Davis is a second-generation assessment official, following in the footsteps of his father. He demonstrates a daily commitment to the office and the public he serves. As one of his constituents, I can attest to the helpfulness of his office and employees - which is a direct result of his attitude to public service,” said Jerald Rudman of North Aurora. Chesney Leafblad, Chief Deputy Assessor in Warren Township (Lake County) and Davis’ daughter noted, “The one thing that has held most true is his selfless dedication to his profession and his constituents. Every person who walks into his office, called him on the phone, or emailed him is treated with the utmost respect.”

“Several property assessors from around the state where nominated for the Theroux Award,” said Josh Barnett, Executive Director of the Illinois Property Assessment Institute. “Davis’ nominations came from a diverse geographic area that included lager counties and townships in the collar counties as well as areas downstate. He has a reputation around Illinois as an expert in the field, an innovative thinker, and a compassionate servant leader. Davis is very respected by his colleagues and it was our pleasure to bestow the Theroux Award to such an inspiring and thoughtful person.”

Offutt is a lifelong Aurora resident and has worked in property assessment for more than 50 years. He is a US Air Force veteran, past president of the Rotary Club of Aurora, past president of the Kane County Assessor’s Association, and active numerous community organizations.

Pictured Above: John Dabrowski, IPAI Board of Directors; Offutt; Chesney Leafblad, Warren Township Chief Deputy Assessor (and Davis’ daughter)