Deb Waszak is a mission-driven executive with a proven record of scaling civic and nonprofit organizations, securing multimillion-dollar funding, and building high-performing teams that deliver measurable community impact. She has served as Village Administrator in Fox Lake and Mettawa, and as Chief of Staff in North Chicago, where she led strategic reforms, infrastructure development, and nationally recognized youth workforce initiatives.
With experience spanning public management, technology, and fundraising, Deb has championed transparency, fiscal stewardship, and innovative solutions – leveraging AI, cloud tools, and digital engagement platforms to bring communities closer to decision-making. Her leadership has been recognized by the federal government, private corporations and numerous civic organizations.
A Policy Circle Civic Coach and graduate of all CLER courses, Deb is passionate about developing grassroots leaders and empowering women to step into civic and community roles. She previously served on multiple nonprofit boards and is currently an active member of several professional, civic, and technology groups. Deb holds a Master of Public Management from Carnegie Mellon University.