SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker has appointed a former southern Illinois lawmaker to serve as Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Natalie Phelps Finnie has served as Deputy Director of IDNR since August of 2021 where she oversaw the Office of Land Management, Legislative Department, Office of Oil & Gas Management, and Office of Mines and Mineral. Prior to this, she was State Representative for the 118th District from 2017 to 2019.

Finnie has experience as an Advanced Practice Nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner. Finnie received her Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Southern Indiana. She received her Master of Science in Nursing at Vanderbilt University.

Finnie’s appointment will be pending until confirmed by the Illinois Senate.