![IAMMA Spotlight Yates McLaughlin]()
Yates McLaughlin
Management Analyst
Village of Lincolnshire
2023-2024 IAMMA Intern Representative
Tell us about your journey into the profession:
I started at a young age seeing family work in local government and instantly fell in love with public service. I vividly remember watching Veggie Tales while a Board Meeting was happening just a room over. As I went through school and college, I took some internships within federal and state government, but did not feel as fulfilled as I’d hoped. Thus, upon graduation, I decided to enter Local Government Management and start my Masters of Public Administration at Northern Illinois University. Since then, I have completed an internship with the City of Lake Forest, where I was elected as the Intern Representative of IAMMA, and currently serve as the President of the NIU ICMA Student Chapter. More recently, I started a position as the Management Analyst with the Village of Lincolnshire where I provide general assistance to all Village departments and oversee communications and special events.
Why is local government a good career path?
Local Government is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career path, particularly for those who enjoy serving the public. One of my favorite aspects about the profession is that no day is the same. Whether it is planning for a spooky Halloween special event, finding emergency communication platforms, or simply updating a policy or ordinance, I have found that local government work truly matters and has a direct impact on every resident. Additionally, there are many benefits of working in the public sector, including elements of job security, pension, and a network of professionals who all care about building better communities.
Fun fact about yourself:
I am related to two former Governors, Governor of Illinois Richard Yates and Richard Yates Jr. (this is where my name originated from).
If you could give one piece of advice to future local government leaders, what would it be?
Small minds discuss people… average minds discuss events… great minds discuss ideas”. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Use this to your advantage early in your career and never be afraid to ask a question.
Shows/music/books you’re currently watching/listening to/reading:
- Shows: Young Sheldon, Suits, House
- Listening: Lawrence, Jacob Collier, Frank Ocean
- Reading: The Pivot Year by Brianna West
Hobbies:
- Marching Band (I played snare drum for a World Championship Drum Corps)
- Making Music (I like to create beats or songs)
- Giving my dogs the best life they could hope for. 😊
