...past National Ag Broadcaster at WGFA –

A well-known Ag broadcaster and Iroquois County native is in line to serve as Illinois’ director of the Department of Natural Resources.

Colleen Callahan of Milford is Governor JB Pritzker’s pick to head up the DNR. Colleen served as Director of the USDA Rural Development Office in Champaign under the Obama administration.

Callahan was a long-time Ag broadcaster in Radio and TV in Peoria. She also was a past National Farm Broadcaster at WGFA.

She’s one of three cabinet directors nominated by Gov. Pritzker. She also served on the Governor’s Ag transition team.

Callahan has deep roots in agriculture, politics and strong connections to the University of Illinois. She grew up on a Milford, IL hog, cattle and grain farm. She was in radio/TV ag broadcasting in Peoria for 30 years and was the first female president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.

Callahan was an un-successful candidate for Congress in 2008, losing to Aaron Schock in the 18th District. She then accepted the post in the USDA. She also started her own consulting business.

Callahan’s parents, Fran and Ellaine Callahan, were long-time Democratic leaders in Iroquois County.

Colleen’s new post with the DNR begins March 1.

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