The Illinois Property Assessment Institute has selected Mark Armstrong, Kane County supervisor of assessments, as the recipient of the 2018 Marshall Theroux Memorial Award.

That might not have the resonance of Academy Award or Pulitzer Prize winner, but in the assessment profession, it’s as high an honor as you get in the state of Illinois.

Rhonda Novak, president of the Illinois Property Assessment Institute, presents Kane County Supervisor of Assessments Mark Armstrong with the Marshall Theroux Award at the Institute’s Spring Conference on March 20, 2018. (CREDIT: IPAI)

The Theroux Award “distinguishes a member of the assessment profession who demonstrates high ethical standards, professional achievement, and dedication to the service of others,” the IPAI said today in a news release.

The announcement was made during a recent IPAI conference in Normal, IL.

Why should you care? In part because of the quality, accuracy and fairness of assessment work you’re getting in Kane County. Armstrong is considered a leader in the state of Illinois, and his work is recognized nationally.

Armstrong has been a state certified general real estate appraiser since 1993, and a certified Illinois assessing officer since 1994. He served as a member of the Kane County Board of Review from 2004 until his appointment as the supervisor of assessments in 2006.

His professional leadership roles include serving as the chair of the Legislative and Policy Committee for the Illinois County Assessment Officer’s Association, chair of the Legislative Committee for the Illinois Association of County Officials, and instructor for the Illinois Property Assessment Institute.

Wendy Ryerson, Lee County supervisor of assessments, nominated Armstrong because of his dedication and high level of involvement.

“Mark serves as a mentor, counselor, and all around ‘go to’ guy for many in the profession,” she said. “He is always willing to help another assessor.”

Armstrong resides in St. Charles with his wife, Gina, and daughter, Ellie. He is an active member of the Baker Memorial United Methodist Church, and has served as chair of the St. Charles Planning Commission and Zoning Commission.

The Illinois Property Assessment Institute, a non-profit organization, was established more than 50 years ago to elevate professional standards and provide educational opportunities to assessment professionals throughout the state

About The Marshall Theroux Memorial Award

The Marshall Theroux Memorial Award was founded in the name of the former Wheeling Township assessor, who was a leader in the development of assessment standards, practices, and education.

This award has been established to annually recognize a member of the Illinois assessment profession who demonstrates high ethical standards, professional achievement, and dedication to the service of others.

The recipient of this award receives a scholarship from the CIAO organization and a recognition plaque from the institute. Candidates are nominated by their peers. Award recipients are selected by the IPAI Board of Directors. Current IPAI Board members and former recipients are not eligible to receive this award. The recipient will be announced at the Recognition Luncheon at the Annual Spring Conference.

The IPAI will begin accepting 2019 nominations at the end of 2018.

About The Illinois Property Assessment Institute

The Illinois Property Assessment Institute was established more than 50 years ago to elevate professional standards for and provide educational opportunities to assessment professionals throughout the state of Illinois. The IPAI is the only education provider focused on the distinct needs of Illinois assessment professionals.

To meet its mission of “elevating and enlightening” assessing officials and professionals, the IPAI has developed a comprehensive curriculum that it offers annually throughout the state. All classes are taught by practicing assessment and business professionals who bring expertise and everyday experience into the classroom.

The IPAI is a non-profit organization, funded solely by course revenue. It also owns and confers the Certified Illinois Assessing Officer designation; the primary designation used to qualify for election or appointment in Illinois.