DeKALB | The city of DeKalb hired new Deputy Liquor Commissioner Cory Warren on Oct. 2, replacing the city clerk in a position created to increase compliance with the liquor code.

Previously, Warren worked for 3 1/2 years for the DeKalb Police Department, which involved being a 911 dispatcher. This new job will require Warren to move from police headquarters downstairs to the city offices upstairs in the DeKalb Municipal Building, 200 S. Fourth St.

“I’m excited to get an opportunity to use my degree in political science,” said Warren, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from NIU in 2002.

This new job will be a good opportunity to work closely with business owners and have more personal contact than in her previous job, Warren said.

The particulars of Warren’s job are yet to be solidified, but she says she is taking on more tasks as she continues in her work.

The job will eventually be formulated so one of Warren’s main tasks is managing the distribution of liquor licences.

“A lot of the things that I’m doing were handled by several different departments before,” said Warren.

Since beginning her job, Warren has spent most of her time doing research on other communities and their liquor commissioners. She also fields questions from liquor licensees.

“A big part of her job will be public relations between organizations that do not see eye-to-eye,” said Assistant City Manager Linda Wiggins.

Warren was hired for her reputation with the police department, her familiarity with NIU and her ability to stay calm in tense situations, said Wiggins.

Christopher Schimmel is a City Reporter for the Northern Star.