Sullivan to lead IDOA

A former state senator from Rushville, Illinois has been chosen to lead the state’s Department of Agriculture by Governor-Elect J.B. Pritzker.

John Sullivan had served as chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Conservation Committee and strongly supported agriculture while he was in office. Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. called the decision a win for Illinois agriculture. Meanwhile, Ted Mottaz from the Illinois Corn Growers Association said Pritzker made a “solid choice” with the nomination.

Sullivan was first elected to the Senate in 2002. He was also a member of the higher education, financial institutions, transportation, government and veterans affairs and environmental committees during his tenure. He graduated from Quincy College in 1981 with a degree in history. Prior to joining the Senate, Sullivan worked as a real estate broker, loan officer and auctioneer in addition to running the family farm.