Dane was previously the Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Marengo, Illinois. He earned a masters of public administration from Northern Illinois University, and received his bachelor’s degree in public policy and administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Prior to working for the City of Marengo, Dane worked for the City of Whitewater and Walworth County, Wisconsin.  He was also sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves with an army engineer unit out of Pewaukee, Wisconsin.  During his time in the Army Reserves, he served in Afghanistan. 

Checolinski has significant prior experience in supporting and creating economic opportunities at the local level. In Marengo, Checolinski spearheaded a business incentive program and gained broad community support to help secure $14 million in capital investment and create over 50 jobs for a community of 7,500 residents during the heart of the recession.