Don Moffitt, recently retired state legislator from Gilson who was appointed assistant director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture by Gov. Bruce Rauner, began his duties Jan. 17.

Moffitt’s responsibilities will evolve over time, according to Becky Clark, IDOA communications manager. “One of the assistant director’s responsibilities will include serving as the department’s representative on the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, where he will serve on the council’s Economic Development Working Group,” she adds.

Moffitt represented the 74th District in the House of Representatives since 1993, retiring earlier this month, and Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau director of state legislation, believes his legislative experience might prove helpful at IDOA.

“It’s nice to see that Rep. Moffitt can take his experience as a supporter of agriculture in the General Assembly and take it to the department,” Semlow says. “I’m hopeful his legislative experience will help the department in their legislative efforts.”

Moffitt joins IDOA staff alongside Raymond Poe, director of agriculture; Warren Goetsch, deputy director; and Grant Hammer, chief of staff. Their positions do not change, and Clark says Moffitt’s position is not a new one; it’s been vacant since October 2008, when it was last held by Tom Jennings. While Moffitt’s responsibilities as assistant director will evolve, the deputy director’s duties include policy and program oversight and day-to-day regulatory operations.

In a statement, the governor’s office said, “Moffitt is a lifelong farmer with extensive experience in state and local government, which makes him uniquely qualified for the role.”

Clark says Moffitt is a respected member of the ag community, and his work in the General Assembly reveals his commitment to improve the business climate for farmers and producers in Illinois. 

“Director Poe worked alongside former state Rep. Don Moffitt for more than 20 year in the Illinois General Assembly, and together they will continue to work to strengthen our rural agricultural communities,” she adds.

In the General Assembly, Moffitt served as the minority spokesman of the Agriculture and Conservation Committee and the Counties and Townships Committee. In addition, he co-chaired a fire protection task force and a task force for emergency medical services. He also served on a number of other committees, including education, public safety and infrastructure. Previously, he served as the Knox County treasurer, and has held a number of other local government positions, including mayor of Oneida. Moffitt also was a high school agriculture teacher, having earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural education from the University of Illinois. He lives in Gilson.

Moffitt's appointment as assistant director awaits confirmation by the Senate.