Ag Director Phil Nelson, State Fair Manager Resign

Governor Bruce Rauner Thursday accepted the resignation of Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Phil Nelson.

Nelson will remain employed with the Department for the next 30 days to help with the transition. State Fair Director Patrick Buchen has also stepped down.

"I appreciate Director Nelson's commitment to agriculture and his service to the people of Illinois," the governor said. "I wish him all the best."

Rauner appointed current Department of Agriculture Chief of Staff Warren Goetsch as Acting Director. A search for a permanent director is underway.