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Director Jerry F. Costello, II
Jerry F. Costello II is proudly serving as the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Agriculture has always played a role in Jerry’s life. Born and raised in Belleville, Jerry grew up visiting and working on his family’s multi-generational farm in Southern Illinois. Currently, Jerry and his wife, Lori, reside in Smithton, only a short drive from his family’s farm. He has 35 head of beef cattle.
After graduating from Southern Illinois University, Jerry served in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division. He is a veteran of the first Gulf War. His commitment to service led him to pursue a career in law enforcement and, eventually, serve the 116th district in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2011-2019. He was actively involved with the Agriculture and Conservation Committee, serving as Chairman from 2015-2019, Vice Chairman from 2013-2014, and a member since 2011. In 2019, he was appointed as the Director of Law Enforcement at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Jerry and his wife Lori have three children, Jerry III, Victoria, and Georgia Danielle.