Dawn S. Peters

Dawn S. Peters, MPA, joined the Center for Governmental Studies at NIU in September 2001 as a research specialist in the areas of economic and community development and association management. She serves as an Assistant Director at CGS and oversees the Association Management team. In that capacity, Dawn serves as executive director of the Illinois City/County Management Association (ILCMA), Wisconsin City/County Management Association (WCMA) and the Midwest Leadership Institute. She oversees a team that also serves the Illinois Local Government Lawyers Association (ILGL) and American Planning Association, Illinois Chapter (APA-IL).

Dawn has been the recipient of two prestigious awards. In 2023, Dawn was recognized with the NIU Master of Public Administration Program’s Outstanding Service Award to the Profession. At the 2024 International City/County Management Association annual conference, ICMA recognized Dawn with the Advocacy for the Profession in Honor of Martha Perego. Both awards recognize individuals who have made a significant contribution to advancing professional local government management.

Prior to joining the Center, Dawn was Coordinator of the Master of Public Administration program at NIU. Dawn holds an MPA and a B.S. in political science from Northern Illinois University.