In June we announced that congratulations were in order to all the groups and individuals who have been asking Governor Pritzker and his team to reinstate the position of Director of the Illinois Nature Preserves System. Since December 2015, the Illinois Nature Preserves System has had no Director. Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves, along with other organizations and individuals, had been asking for the position to be reinstated and the message was heard. It was reinstated in June.
Last week it was announced that the position has been filled! Todd Strole has been selected to serve as the next Executive Director of the Illinois Nature Preserves System. He will move into his new position in early January.
He has had a long history with IDNR’s Division of Natural Heritage, serving 20 years in a variety of positions, from intern to Division Chief. His most recent position as the Programs Section Manager provides oversight to the Natural Areas, Endangered Species, and Natural Heritage Database Programs. He also has experience working for The Nature Conservancy and the US Army Corps of Engineers. Friends are excited to work with Todd and other partners of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission to do great things!
We hope that you will take a few minutes to send a note or letter to the Governor and to Director Callahan and Assistant Director Rogner to thank them for filing the position. The beauty of our system of democratic government is that government succeeds when people care and help and support.
A sample Friends’ thank-you letter is below along with a link to submit your letter electronically.
Submit your letter to Governor Pritzker at this link or send it via snail mail to:
Office of the Governor
207 State House
Springfield, IL 62706