Prairie State Wire

Illinois Governor's Office issued the following announcement on Apr. 19.

Governor JB Pritzker today announced Gary Johnson will be the new Chair of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum Board (ALPLM). Johnson was appointed to the ALPLM Board of Directors in September 2019 after serving as President of the Chicago History Museum for 15 years. He previously spent 28 years as a lawyer and partner in international law at Mayer Brown and Jones Day.

"The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is a treasured institution that pays homage to not only the country's first president from Illinois but also our great state's incredible history," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I am pleased to announce Gary Johnson will serve as Chair of the Museum's Board, bringing years of prior, award-winning service with him. I am confident he will excel in the role and work to ensure the ALPLM remains a top destination for Illinoisans and visitors alike."

Under Johnson's leadership, the Chicago History Museum received the National Medal from the Institute for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest award for museums and libraries. He also served for 10 years as President of Museums in the Park. Additionally, he worked as Vice Chair on the Special Commission on the Administration of Justice in Cook County.

"It is an honor to become the chair of this board. This is an important time for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum," said Gary Johnson. "It has accomplished so much for both Springfield and the nation. At the time of its anniversary, we look ahead to making it become even more relevant in our national dialogues."

Gary Johnson is a member of the American Law Institute and a Life Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and the Illinois State Bar Association Foundation, and he served as president of the Chicago Council of Lawyers. Johnson earned his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School, his Master of Arts from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, and his Bachelor of Arts from Yale College. He also holds an honorary doctorate from Lake Forest College.

Johnson's appointment to ALPLM Board Chair is effective immediately.

Original source can be found here.