Julie Russell, Chief County Assessment Officer of Fulton County, was recently awarded the 2024 Outstanding Achievement in Property Assessment Award in recognition of her long career in property assessment, contributions to the industry, and dedication to the people of her county. Russell received the award at the Illinois Property Assessment Institute’s 66th Annual State Conference held at the Marriott Hotel in Normal, Illinois.

Nominees for the annual Outstanding Achievement in Property Assessment Award are submitted from around Illinois. The winner is determined by the Board of Directors of the Illinois Property Assessment Institute. Russell was nominated for the award by several colleagues from throughout Illinois.

Russell has worked for Fulton County for 15 years and was appointed Chief County Assessment Officer in 2020. She holds the Certified Illinois Assessing Officer – Specialist (C.I.A.O.-S.) advanced designation from the Illinois Property Assessment Institute. Russell also serves as the Area II Chair for the County Assessment Officers Association.

In her nomination, Fulton County Clerk & Recorder Patrick O’Brian noted “We had a severe weather event in April of 2023 and Julie proactively reached out to those affected to ensure they would get the proper documentation they needed to help them result, not only their dwellings, but their lives. There is no other person who deserves this award more than Julie.” “The leadership she provides is invaluable, and her willingness to answer all questions from new assessors to experienced ones should be applauded.  We are in the business to serve the public and in my experiences with Julie she does just that.” said Dave Ryan, Supervisor of Assessments for Peoria County.

Russell is pictured above with IPAI Board of Directors Vice Chairman John Dabrowski.