MEET THE 2022 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER TOP 10 FINALISTS

Today’s Trailblazer: Anne Marie Gaura

The League caught up with Top 10 Finalist, Anne Marie Gaura, Village Manager, Lincolnwood, Illinois to talk about being named a Leadership Trailblazer and having a career in public service:

Q: Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What does it mean to you to be nominated? 

It is a great honor to be recognized by an organization that focuses on advancing women to local government leadership.  The mission of the League supports the goals of The Legacy Project, an organization that is near and dear to my heart.  Being recognized by the League of Women in Government validates the work and commitment of The Legacy Project and the impact we are making in mentoring local government women in Illinois.  It is truly an honor to be recognized for something I am incredibly passionate about.

I have served as Village Manager in three different municipalities where I have been hired from outside the organization, each time being the first woman appointed to these positions.  I have helped lead the way in forming three organizations that include The Legacy Project, a regional council of government, and a local economic development corporation.  Being nominated shows an appreciation for creating my own path and assisting individuals, organizations, and communities as part of that journey and commitment.

Q: What led you to a career in public service?

It was the careers of both of my parents that led me to a public service career.  My mom was a registered nurse whose focus was on making a difference in the lives of her geriatric patients, and my dad was a dedicated public servant in the federal government for the General Services Administration.

Because of my parents, I knew I wanted a service-oriented career and to work in one of the branches of government.  I discovered local government in graduate school with my internship and was immediately drawn to it.  My career in local government is my way of trying to make a difference and giving back.  To me, it is a calling to service.

Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?

My mentors and advocates were early in my professional career when I served in my first full-time local government position.  The two individuals were our Finance Director Len Flood and our Labor Attorney Bob Smith.  Both were extremely professionally encouraging of me, and both recognized I was ready for that next step of my career of being a Village Manager before I did.  My two mentors and advocates were both men.

When I started in local government in the Chicago area, there were two female Village Managers I looked up to, Heidi Voorhees and Robin Weaver.  Even though they are no longer Village Managers, they are still role models committed to making a difference in local government and two individuals I admire and try to emulate.

My greatest advocate is my husband Lou who supports my career and the choices I have made in the municipalities I have served.  I couldn’t do what I do without his love and support.

Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while coming up in your career?

The most important lesson I learned is don’t be afraid to take on new and challenging responsibilities you’ve never done before.  Push yourself out of your comfort zone in order to learn and grow.

Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government someday?

My advice for women starting out is multi-faceted.  First, be a sponge.  What I mean by this is, to try to absorb as much knowledge to establish a solid foundation in understanding how local government works.  Two of the best ways to do this are to participate in staff meetings and the annual budget meetings.  Both help you understand the operations of municipal departments.

Question everything.  This is a credit to the many teachers who drilled this into me.  The best way to understand complicated issues and projects is by asking a lot of questions.  You’ll learn more and faster.

Accept new projects and responsibilities, especially when they take you out of your comfort zone.  The more you push your limits on what you think you can do, the more you grow professionally.

Address your weaknesses directly and turn them into strengths.  Early in my career, I was very uncomfortable in public speaking.  I accepted every opportunity to speak publicly even with my nervousness, and over time, it has become a strength.

One of my favorite motivational posters is, “You can’t steal second if your foot is still on first”.  Loving both softball and baseball speaks to me on so many levels.  Take that risk and go for the position you’re not sure if you’re ready for.

Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?

My greatest hope is that I have positively impacted those employees I have served with, particularly those I mentored.  I hope my legacy is to have helped the next generation of local government leaders and assisted the women who take the mantle and shatter as many glass ceilings as they can.

My hope is The Legacy Project continues to positively impact the lives and careers of women in local government.  Since The Legacy Project started, the next generation is now in charge of continuing the mission of advancing women in local government.

I would want my legacy to represent my commitment to hiring, developing, and promoting a diverse workforce that is representative of society.  I would like to be known as a leader, mentor, and coach that invests my time in the furtherment of others.