Director's Letter

As I begin my third month as director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, I’m grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself to the readers of the OutdoorIllinois Journal.

Although I’m relatively new to this role at IDNR, I have a long career in public service, including serving as the mayor of Taylorville in central Illinois, holding a key leadership role with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and most recently serving as the first executive director of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board.

As a native central Illinoisan with a lifelong passion for conservation and outdoor recreation, I was thrilled to accept Governor Pritzker’s invitation to lead IDNR. My experiences in public service have reinforced my belief that meaningful, lasting progress happens when people come together with shared purpose. At IDNR, those purposes include stewarding the lands, waters, wildlife, and cultural heritage entrusted to us all.

In my first months at IDNR, I’ve been struck by the depth of commitment to conservation that can be found across Illinois – whether it’s the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to manage and protect our natural resources, or the hunters, anglers, landowners, educators, and community partners who are committed to advancing sound conservation principles and upholding a legacy that generations of Illinoisans have built.

Illinois’ prairies, forests, wetlands and river systems reflect a natural heritage worthy of both celebration and protection. Equally vital are the urban and suburban green spaces that introduce so many residents to nature for the first time. Ensuring people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have access to these experiences is central to IDNR’s mission – hence our slogan, “Everyone Belongs in Nature.”

As I continue to settle in, my focus will be on learning more about our valued IDNR staff and the impressive work they do every day. I’ve visited several state sites already, including the impressive Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery in Mason County, Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area in Cass County, Illinois Beach State Park and its nature preserve in Lake County, as well as several museums and historic sites.

It’s no secret that IDNR has experienced some tough times over the past couple of decades. Things are slowly turning around, thanks in large part to consistent budgets and investments by state leaders, as well as strong leadership within the department. I look forward to fostering continued collaboration among IDNR, lawmakers, and partner organizations to achieve our shared goals.

Thank you to everyone who has welcomed me to this role. I’m grateful for your commitment to conservation and look forward to many successes ahead.

OutdoorIllinois Journal is a collaborative effort led by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Divisions of Wildlife Resources, Natural Heritage and Fisheries, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration and the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center. Funding for OutdoorIllinois Journal was made available through Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Project W-147-T and the Fish Management Fund.

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