Mary Baccheschi, Executive Administrative Coordinator to the President/Clerk of the Board, of Sycamore, was recognized for her exemplary professional service to an Illinois community college board by the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) at the June 2 ICCTA Awards Banquet in Normal.
"I was honored to be nominated by Dr. Brian Knetl, President of Waubonsee Community College, and our board," said Baccheschi. "I'm so grateful to be the recipient of the ICCTA Professional Board Staff Member Award.”
Ten years ago, Baccheschi used to drive past Waubonsee's Sugar Grove Campus and admire the tall trees that lined the campus, never knowing she would one day play an integral role in the college’s board operations and governance.
Baccheschi is known at Waubonsee by Board of Trustees and employees for her positive and upbeat attitude, her exceptional attention to detail and confidentiality. Her dedication ensures that board meetings proceed seamlessly. She has attended all 128 regular, special, seating, and reorganization board meetings during her tenure and played a valuable role during Waubonsee's presidential search by assisting in the selection process for an external search consultant. In addition, Baccheschi diligently spearheaded an initiative to digitize fifty years' worth of board packets with full-text search capabilities.
Within her role, Baccheschi has worked alongside President Emeritus, Dr. Christine Sobek, the college’s longest-serving President (who retired in January 2023 after 21 years as President), as well as some of the college’s longest-serving board members, including current Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Oliver (who has been serving for 26 years), the late Richard “Shorty” W. Dickson, Board of Trustees Chair Emeritus (who served for a total of 45 years), Trustee Emeritus James K. Michels, P.E. (who served continuously for 36 years), and the late Dr. Richard Bodie (who served for 21 years). Baccheschi describes the Waubonsee Board of Trustees as an amazing group of professionals that she admires for their outstanding teamwork and cohesiveness.
"I enjoy working with a board and President that are so professional, caring, and passionate about Waubonsee," says Baccheschi.
In addition to her duties at Waubonsee, Baccheschi is a member of the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education. She also serves as one of the college's Open Meeting Act designees.
ICCTA supports all Illinois public community college trustees through information exchange, training, and advocacy to assist them in effective leadership locally and statewide. To learn more about ICCTA, visit their website at communitycolleges.org.
Pictured above: ICCTA Treasurer Shawn Boldt recognizes Mary Baccheschi, Executive Administrative Coordinator to the President/Clerk of the Board, with the 2023 ICCTA Professional Board Staff Member Award.
