 "The citizens of Illinois and anyone who visits this state to learn
about our unique and varied heritage owes a debt of gratitude to Bob
Coomer," Blagojevich said.Coomer, 62, was named IHPA director
Sept. 1, 2004. He had previously served as the superintendent of
historic sites since the agency was formed in 1985, having held that
same position with the then-Department of Conservation since 1982.
Coomer began his state career at Conservation in 1979.
He was involved in establishing the criteria for the selection of
the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum's architect and
exhibit designer and participated in the conceptual and design phase
for the project. Coomer and Blagojevich welcomed President George W.
Bush, first lady Laura Bush, a host of other dignitaries and 25,000
spectators during the April 19, 2005, opening of the presidential
museum.
Working with Blagojevich, Coomer has also helped bring back
seven-day-per-week operations at most of the state's historic sites
during the summer tourism season, restoring operations that had been
reduced during the previous administration.
Coomer was raised in the Springfield community and graduated from
Western Illinois University. He earned a master's degree from the
University of Illinois.
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"Bob Coomer is one of the most accomplished people I have ever
known," said Julie Cellini, chairman of the seven-member IHPA board
of trustees. "His capacity for hard work and his ability to craft
innovative solutions for whatever challenges he faces put him among
state government's most respected administrators. We are grateful
for Bob's 28 years of putting history first."
Tirey, 31, of Springfield, has been deputy director for the
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum since September
2005. She will serve as IHPA acting director until Blagojevich
appoints, and the IHPA board approves, a new agency director.
The
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency preserves and promotes the
cultural and historic fabric of the state of Illinois. The agency
administers more than 60 historic sites and memorials throughout
Illinois, oversees the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and
Museum, conducts regulatory oversight of federal and state-funded
projects, places Illinois historic sites on the National Register of
Historic Places, and publishes several scholarly and popular
periodicals and journals relating to recent research on Illinois
history.
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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