Governor JB Pritzker has announced the departure of Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.
Friday marked Finnie’s final day leading the agency after serving as director since January 2023. A native of Hardin County, Finnie previously served as the department’s deputy director beginning in August 2021.
During her tenure, Finnie oversaw several major initiatives, including the launch of the “Everyone Belongs in Nature” campaign aimed at expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for all Illinois residents. She also helped open Illinois’ first state-owned off-highway vehicle trail system at Sahara Woods State Recreation Area in Saline County and expanded sustainability efforts by adding electric vehicle charging stations at state parks across Illinois.
Governor Pritzker credited Finnie with leading a period of growth and reinvestment within the Department of Natural Resources.
Beginning Saturday, Renee Snow will serve as the agency’s interim director. Snow has worked for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources since 2014 and most recently served as the department’s general counsel.