New State Ag Director

Add comment February 28th, 2008

The governor’s news release:

Governor 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 Governor 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.

The SJ-R has more on Hartke’s departure.

Chuck Hartke, who spent more than 18 years in the Illinois House before getting his dream job as director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture in 2003, is stepping down from that post.

Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Charles Hartke will be retiring from his position. In part, it’s to spend more time with his ailing wife, he said, and in part because it’s time.