Park Forest Finance Director Mary Dankowski has been awarded the 2014 Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Year Award by the Daily Herald.
Dankowski is one of twelve to receive the CFO of the Year Award but one of only two representing government organizations.
"What a wonderful recognition for Director Dankowski. For Park Forest officials this recognition comes as no surprise as Mary has stewarded Village finances for nearly 2 decades," said Village Manager Tom Mick.
Under the direction of Dankowski, who has served Park Forest for 19 years in the role of finance director, the Village has attained the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the past 17 years and the Distinguished Budget Award for the past 18 years. Dankowski has also been instrumental in the Village’s efforts to boost commerce in Park Forest’s DownTown -- currently at 83 percent occupancy -- and has also been key to the establishment of strategic planning processes to ensure the financial health of the community.
"Under Mary's close direction, Park Forest's financial practices have been recognized and awarded every year by the Government Finance Officers Association," said Mick.
Dankowski will be formally recognized at a reception on July 22 in Hoffman Estates. The event will honor all local executives receiving the 2014 CFO of the Year award from the Daily Herald Business Ledger.
The Park Forest Finance Director holds a bachelor’s degree from Loyola University, a master’s degree from DePaul University and is a registered certified public accountant.