Chesney M. (Offutt) Leafblad, the Chief Deputy Assessor for Warrren Township (Lake County), was recently awarded the 2022 Marshall Theroux Memorial Award in recognition of her long career in property assessment, contributions to the industry, and dedication to community service. Leafblad received the award at the Illinois Property Assessment Institute’s 64th Annual State Conference held at the Marriott Hotel in Normal, Illinois. The Theroux Award is the highest honor bestowed 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. Leafblad was nominated for the award by a dozen colleagues from throughout the state.

Leafblad has over 20 years of experience in property assessment. She holds the CIAO-Master designation from the Illinois Property Assessment Institute (the highest designation available to someone in the Illinois property assessment industry). She also serves as an instructor, course writer, and Education Committee chair for the Institute.

“I’ve always been impressed with Chesney’s professionalism, her willingness to assist others in the assessment field and most importantly her dedication to treating everyone she encounters the utmost respect. She is by my definition a true leader in her field,” said Robert Glueckert, Chief County Assessment Officer for Lake County.

“Multiple county and township assessors from around the state were nominated for the Theroux Award,” said Josh Barnett, Executive Director of the Illinois Property Assessment Institute. “Chesney’s nominations came from a diverse geographic area that included Cook and the collar counties as well as areas downstate. She has a sterling reputation around Illinois as an expert in the field and a passionate leader. It was our pleasure to bestow the Theroux Award to such a deserving person.”

Pictured Above: Rhonda Novak, Chief County Assessment Officer for Will County and Illinois Property Assessment Institute Board of Directors Chair; Chesney Leafblad, Warren Township Chief Deputy Assessor and 2022 Marshall Theroux Award winner.