Elgin names new chief financial officer

Elgin's interim Chief Financial Officer Debra Nawrocki was officially named to the position Friday.

Nawrocki, who has 30 years of experience in accounting, auditing and financial management, has been responsible for the city's financial operations since June, after the departure of Colleen Lavery. Nawrocki worked as finance manager for the past three years.

She officially will take on her new role Monday, at an annual salary of $129,688.

Nawrocki's performance during the past nine months was “flawless,” City Manager Sean Stegall said.

“Debra's willingness to step up and take the helm of the city's finance department exemplifies the leadership characteristics that we look for in a senior management team member,” he said. “Her vast financial knowledge, abilities in budget development and reporting, and successful experience leading the department for the past year, only served to solidify our belief that she was the best candidate for the job.”

Nawrocki especially was impressive in tackling debt refinancing for the first time and ensuring a smooth audit process in March, Stegall said. “She handled it all like a season veteran,” Stegall said.

The city began the search for a new CFO in mid-December; 42 resumes were reviewed and five applicants, including Nawrocki, were interviewed, Rogowski said.

Nawrocki said she especially has enjoyed working with city staff members to put together this year's budget.

“I greatly appreciate the opportunity to serve in this capacity,” she said. “I am honored to work alongside the city council and city staff members to continue the tradition of strong government and responsible financial practices that are an integral part of this city.”

Nawrocki has worked for the past two decades as a financial professional in local government accounting and senior-level financial management. She served as the director of finance for Schaumburg Township Library District for 18 years; from 1985 to 1994 she worked as the sales and marketing controller for ServiceMaster in Downers Grove.

She has a bachelor's degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University and became a Certified Public Accountant in 1984. She is a member of the Illinois CPA Society, Illinois Government Finance Officers Association and Government Finance Officers Association.