Local man receives Illinois’ highest honor for a county official

Posted on December 8, 2021
McLean County Supervisor of Assessments Robert “Bob” Kahman (podium). (Photo courtesy: Curt Newport, Illinois Association of County Officials)

By Blake Haas

BLOOMINGTON – A local man has been given the highest honor in Illinois as a county official.

In late November, Robert “Bob” Kahman, the longtime McLean County Supervisor of Assessments, was awarded the 2021 County Officials of the Year Award by the Illinois Association of County Officials.

According to a news release, the award recognizes Kahman’s long career in property assessment, contributions to county government, and dedication to community service.

“It was a total surprise,” Kahman told WJBC News. “Really, at first, all I felt was unworthy… Over the years you touch a lot of people, and you don’t really realize it. And that’s what I think the award makes me realize that all the people that I’ve touched or encountered or worked with or helped or commiserated with over the years – it’s a real honor.”

Kahman has been the McLean County Supervisor of Assessments since 1998, having served in previous roles in Chicago and on a variety of boards across Illinois.

“It’s really been a nice little cherry on top of the sundae for me to get the award,” Kahman added.

The County Officials of the Year Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual serving as a County Officials in Illinois.

Each year, the award is given to outstanding county government officials who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in county government while maintaining a high-performance standard.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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