Illinois Conservation Foundation appoints new executive director         

Gregory Legan will continue foundation's mission to preserve and enhance state's natural resources

[May 04, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Conservation Foundation has announced the appointment of Gregory Legan as the new executive director. Legan will begin his tenure as executive director May 15.

Legan will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the 13-year-old Illinois Conservation Foundation. His responsibilities will include developing long-range strategies for the organization, managing fundraising efforts, promotion of the foundation and seeing that the foundation's mission to preserve and enhance the state's natural resources is successfully implemented. Legan was selected by the ICF board from a list of five finalists.

"I'm pleased with the foundation's announcement of Greg Legan as the new executive director," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Sam Flood, who also serves as chairman of the Illinois Conservation Foundation. "Greg has an exemplary resume that includes experience in planning and implementing development campaigns for both nonprofit and public entities. I look forward to working with him to build the resources of the ICF and continue our efforts to preserve the state's natural resources."

Legan comes to the conservation foundation from John A. Logan College, where he served as executive director of the college's foundation since 1995. There he was responsible for spearheading the college's first capital campaign. A $3 million effort, the "Creating Opportunities" campaign raised funds for scholarship endowment, the purchase of technology and endowment for technology upgrades. Prior to his position at John A. Logan, Legan also worked with the Southern Illinois University Foundation, Purdue University and held various other positions in the not-for-profit area.

In addition to his professional duties, Legan has also been heavily involved with programs benefiting conservation and the outdoors, including service as vice chairman of the Southern Illinois Hunting and Fishing Day Committee; on the board of directors for the Youth Outdoor Education Foundation; certified hunter safety and wingshooting instructor with the Department of Natural Resources; as well as being actively involved with a number of civic organizations.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to head the Illinois Conservation Foundation," Legan said. "I look forward to using my experience to move the foundation forward, while continuing many of the wonderful conservation and educational programs already in place."

Legan received his master's degree in management from Indiana Wesleyan University and a bachelor's degree from Columbia College. He is a native of Gilman and currently resides in Murphysboro.

[Text from Illinois Conservation Foundation news release received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]