PULLMAN: IDNR’s Vision for the Pullman State Historic Site

11211 South Saint Lawrence Avenue,Chicago IL 60628

17 July, 2022

Description

As part of our 2022 Speaker Series, Historic Pullman Foundation is excited to share this riveting presentation by Colleen Callahan, Director of Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Colleen Callahan will present a brief description and updates regarding ongoing and future repairs, restorations, and improvements to the Pullman State Historic Site (including the Pullman Factory and Hotel Florence). Come join Colleen Callahan for this informative and engaging presentation! Members attend FREE, but please register so we know how many people to expect. About Colleen CallahanColleen Callahan, of Kickapoo, Ill., began her appointment as director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on March 1, 2019; she was confirmed by the Illinois Senate on April 12, 2019. Appointed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2019, Callahan brings a wealth of professional and public service experience to the department. Prior to her appointment to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Callahan served as state director of Illinois’ Rural Development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Appointed by President Barack Obama, Callahan managed a 20 percent reduction in staffing at Rural Development while, at the same time, generating a $1 billion increase in the Illinois loan portfolio. Callahan’s success as Illinois’ director for Rural Development led the agency to ask her to train other Rural Development state offices. A successful communicator, Callahan dedicated most of her professional career to agriculture communications, serving as the first female agribusiness director for WMBD Radio and Television in Peoria. Her 30-year career at WMBD led Callahan to the National Association of Farm Broadcasters, where she served as the first female president of the organization and was the first woman to be inducted into their Hall of Fame. Callahan earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture communications from the University of Illinois. She and her husband, Dick, raise Angus cattle on their farm in Peoria County. Their daughter is Special Assistant United States Attorney & Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. Become a Member of the Historic Pullman Foundation to attend Colleen Callahan's Speaker Series event for free. Plus, you’ll receive exclusive access to HPF events, news, and more all year long.