Debra Lane, Township Assessor for the Meriden, Ophir & Troy Grove Assessment District in LaSalle County, was recently awarded the 2023 Marshall Theroux Memorial Award in recognition of her long career in property assessment, contributions to the industry, and dedication to community service. Lane received the award at the Illinois Property Assessment Institute’s 65th Annual State Conference held at the Marriott Hotel in Normal, Illinois. The Theroux Award is the highest honor bestowed on a member of 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. Lane was nominated for the award by a dozen colleagues throughout the state.

Lane has over 25 years of experience in property assessment. She holds the CIAO-Intermediate advanced designation from the Illinois Property Assessment Institute. She is a member of the Illinois Assessors Association Board of Directors, and a past member of the Township Officials of Illinois and Illinois Property Assessment Institute boards of directors. She has and continues to serve on numerous state-level committees on property assessment. Deb is a member of the LaSalle County Township Officials Board of Directors, a member of LaSalle County Zoning & Appeal Board, and has served as an election judge for over 30 years.

“I have interacted with Deb Lane for more than two decades. She is always helpful, knowledgeable, and supportive. Deb is highly respected and well-regarded by her peers.” said Uwe Rotter, Blackberry Township Assessor in Kane 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. “Deb’s nominations came from all corners of Illinois. She has a sterling reputation across the state as an expert in the field, a passionate leader, and strong advocate for township government. It was our pleasure to bestow the Theroux Award to such a deserving and dedicated person.”

Pictured Above: Vicki Sheets, Illinois Property Assessment Institute Board of Directors Chair; John Dabrowski, Illinois Property Assessment Institute Board of Directors Vice Chair; Deb Lane, 2023 Marshall Theroux Award winner; Chesney Leafblad, Warren Township (Lake County) Chief Deputy Assessor and 2022 Theroux Award recipient.