|
Illinois Ag Director Chuck Hartke Resigns
Gov.
Blagojevich Names Tom Jennings New Director
Send a link to a friend
[February 28, 2008]
CHICAGO -- Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today named
Illinois Department of Agriculture Assistant Director Tom Jennings
as acting director of the agency. The governor accepted the
resignation of Charles "Chuck" Hartke, director of the Illinois
Department of Agriculture since 2003. Effective Monday, Jennings
will take over the director's responsibilities for the Department of
Agriculture.
|
|
"I want to thank Chuck for all of his hard work at the
Department of Agriculture over the last five years," said
Blagojevich. "As a family farmer and longtime state legislator,
he brought unique experience and enthusiasm to the post. I wish
him and his wife, Kathy, the best." Under Hartke's leadership,
the Department of Agriculture has received federal funds to
fight to keep emerald ash borer out of Illinois, created a
statewide veterinary emergency response team that strengthens
Illinois' ability to contain animal disease outbreaks, and
increased sponsorship of the Illinois State Fair by 25 percent
since 2003. Before becoming the director for the Department of
Agriculture, Hartke served in the Illinois House of
Representatives and held a seat on the House Agriculture
Committee from 1985 until 2003.
"It is with mixed emotions that I submitted my resignation to
Governor Blagojevich," said Hartke. "After a long career in
public service, I feel like now is the right time to spend more
time with my family. I want to thank Governor Blagojevich for
the tremendous opportunity to serve the state as director of
agriculture. I have always believed it is the best job in state
government. I leave behind many friends at the department and
wish them all well."
[to top of second column] |
A Springfield native, Jennings has been with the Department of
Agriculture since 1978, serving in a number of positions. Most
recently he served as assistant director, a position he held
since 2003. He is a board member of the Illinois Propane
Education and Research Council, a past member of the Agri-Business
Committee of the Illinois CPA Society, and current chairman of
the Fertilizer Research and Education Council. Jennings
graduated from the University of Illinois. He is married and has
two children
[Text from file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information] |
