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 “With farming playing an important role in his family’s history
and a career of public service, there’s no better person to lead
the Illinois Department of Agriculture at this time than Jerry
Costello,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “Our agriculture sector drives
our state’s economy to the tune of $19 billion every year, and
I’m confident that Jerry’s deep experience will bring a steady
hand to the department and continue the impressive growth of
this vital industry.”
“I’m honored to continue serving the people of Illinois and
excited to take the helm at the department I once oversaw in the
state legislature,” said Jerry Costello II, Acting Director of
the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “As a leading producer
of soybeans, corn and swine, Illinois is home to the most
dedicated farmers in the world, and I look forward to partnering
with them to grow our state’s agricultural economy.”
Background
Jerry Costello II will serve as the Director of the Illinois
Department of Agriculture.* He joins the Governor’s cabinet from
his position as the Director of Law Enforcement for the Illinois
Department of Natural Resources, which he had held since May
2019. Costello represented the 116th district in the Illinois
House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019, during which he
served as chair the Agriculture and Conservation committee. He
also served on the Pritzker-Stratton Agriculture Transition
Committee.
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A graduate of Southern Illinois University
Carbondale, Costello decided to serve his country by joining the
U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. Not long after signing up, he
and his unit saw combat during Operation Desert Storm. Following his
military service in Iraq, Costello returned to Illinois where he
became a police officer and started a family. Initially a patrolman,
he would rise through the ranks and become assistant chief of
police. Born and raised in Southern Illinois, his family has a small
farm in Franklin County, producing crops and raising cattle.
Costello lives in Smithton with his wife Lori and their three
children.
* Appointment pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
[Office of the Governor JP Pritzker]
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