For decades, Colleen Callahan broadcast farm news on Downstate radio and television.
Now, pending Illinois Senate confirmation, she’s the director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Callahan says it’s about communication — and about supporting those at DNR with the know-how.
“No matter what your background may be, foundationally, if we don’t communicate with each other, there will immediately be the beginning of a breakdown,” she says. “I believe that — personally as well as professionally and even politically — when we don’t communicate, that is the beginning of misunderstandings.”
She is relying on those who have institutional knowledge of DNR. “My goal, initially, is to advocate for the career staff. (We need to) acknowledge that the career staff here at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources is dedicated to the mission.”
Callahan says the DNR’s carrying $1 billion of deferred maintenance after years of underfunding. That can’t be made up at once, but she says she hopes her support of the staff will lead to some quick, small victories.
Other goals include building the conservation police back up and establishing a Chicago presence.
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Region: Springfield,Local,Region: Central,City: Springfield
via Local – Newsradio 1240 & 93.5 FM WTAX https://wtax.com
April 1, 2019 at 06:45AM
Illinois Delivered 