Fifth Ward Alderman Dawn Nowak is running unopposed for city clerk in the upcoming election, ready to take on a new role in city government.
Nowak, who has served as an alderman since 2015, said it just felt like the right time to step into the city clerk’s office.”Serving as an alderman has been incredibly rewarding, and I know I’ve made an impact,” she said. “Now, I want to continue that service in a new way. I know the city clerk’s office inside and out, and I’m ready to bring my experience to the role.”
She spent 33 years working in the Cook County Clerk’s office, eventually becoming a manager under David Orr and Karen Yarbrough.
She credits Orr as a major influence on her career. “David Orr was one of the best public servants I’veever worked with,” Nowak said. “His leadership shaped the way I approach government—always thinking about how to make things more efficient and serve people better. We still talk, and he continues to be a great mentor.”
Her background in voter registration and elections ties directly into the clerk’s responsibilities. She spent 10 years working in downtown Chicago before transitioning to the Bridgeview courthouse for her last 23 years with Cook County.
“My experience with Cook County gave me the platform to become an alderman, and now it’s come full circle,” she said.
As city clerk, Nowak wants to improve communication with business owners and work closely with Alderman Donna O’Connell on business licensing. “One of my biggest priorities is making sure business owners feel connected to the city,” she said. “Alderman O’Connell has done a great job with economic development, and I want to work with her to strengthen outreach—whether it’s helping new businesses navigate licensing or making sure they know about local opportunities and events.”
While the aldermen will still be the first point of contact for most issues, Nowak said she will be accessible at City Hall.”I’m here to help anybody who needs it,” she said. “I would probably be more available at City Hall, but again, I’m available to anyone who reaches out for help.”
A longtime resident of Palos Hills, Nowak has lived in the city for nearly 27 years. Her daughter, Taylor, attended Palos East, Palos South, and Stagg High School before working at Peppo’s. Taylor recently moved to Tampa, Florida, after graduating with a degree in human resources.
Nowak also expressed gratitude to current City Clerk Rudy Mulderink, who is retiring. “I did tell him that I’d like to lean on him, and he told me whatever I need, he would be there to support me and help me transition into the role,” she said.
When she’s not working, Nowak enjoys visiting local spots like Peppo’s and The Valley Inn, where she and a colleague often grab dinner before city council meetings. “Twice a month, you’ll probably find me at The Valley Inn before a council meeting,” she said. “It’s just a good place to catch up before we get down to business.”
Looking ahead, she’s excited to take on the new role. “Palos Hills is my home, and I want to make sure every resident knows they have someone in City Hall who will listen and work for them.”
The post Palos Hills Alderman Dawn Nowak set to become city clerk appeared first on Southwest Regional Publishing.