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MCEDC Member Spotlight: Heather Maieritsch, Economic Development Manager at the City of Crystal Lake

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With more than two decades of municipal experience under her belt, Heather Maieritsch, the City of Crystal Lake’s Economic Development Manager, has built a career helping communities thrive. Heather’s expertise in economic development, public-private partnerships, business attraction and retention, and marketing has made her an essential leader for Crystal Lake and the McHenry County community.  

Since joining the city in 2011, Heather has spearheaded major initiatives that strengthen the local business climate, support redevelopment projects, and attract regional and national companies to the area, while offering a comprehensive perspective on suburban market dynamics.  

Heather holds a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and a Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University (NIU). Prior to her current role, Heather served as Deputy Village Manager for the Village of East Dundee.  

Economic Development Excellence  

As an MCEDC Board of Directors member, Heather collaborates closely with regional partners to strengthen McHenry County’s economic foundation.  McHenry County’s continued momentum and opportunities ahead to attract new development, support expansion, and strengthen its competitive position in the region are what excite Heather the most.  

Through providing insights on development trends, supporting business attraction initiatives, and helping guide strategic conversations focused on workforce development, quality-of-place, and growth, Heather is a powerhouse member for the organization, working alongside 17 other MCEDC Board members who each bring unique skillsets to the table.  

“What I value most about McHenry County is the strong sense of collaboration among our communities and partners,” Maieritsch said. “We share a collective commitment to responsible growth, a vibrant business environment, and a high quality of life. The market fundamentals are strong, demand is growing, and businesses recognize the value of choosing communities committed to long-term success.” 

Through her work on the EDGE (Economic Development Growth Experts) Committee, Heather ensures Crystal Lake’s municipal perspective is represented while fostering cooperation among communities, chambers, and stakeholders across the county.  

Alongside serving on the MCEDC Board of Directors, Heather is an active committee and board member for several local organizations, including Naturally McHenry County, the International Council of Shopping Centers’ State Committee, and the Crystal Lake Chamber Ambassadors. On top of that, Heather is a recent inductee into the Lambda Alpha International Land Economics Society. 

When Heather is not at board meetings or out in the community, she spends her free time traveling and seeking new adventures with her husband and son. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is important to Heather, and she appreciates quiet mornings at home with a cup of coffee, watching the birds while being kept company by their golden retriever.  

Emphasizing McHenry County’s strong market foundation with diverse assets, a skilled workforce, and business climates that welcome investments, Heather shares her hopes for the economic vitality of the County.  

“My hope for our economic future is continued innovation, strategic development, and opportunities that allow both businesses and residents to thrive for generations to come,” said Maieritsch.  

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Stay tuned for next month’s MCEDC Member Spotlight as we continue to highlight the people and organizations driving growth and innovation across McHenry County. To learn more about the McHenry County Economic Development Corporation’s mission to attract, retain, and expand businesses in our region, visit www.McHenryCountyEDC.com.