Lightning Talks
Time: 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm
Location: Capitol Building, Room 402A
Meet influential leaders who do their jobs “under the dome.” They’ll give you their rapid-fire take on what they do, five-minutes at a time.
You’ll hear from a The Director of the Department of Natural Resources, the Executive Director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum, The Legislative Liaison for the Department of Revenue, a local lobbyist and consultant and more
OUR SPEAKERS
Natalie Phelps Finnie
Director
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Natalie Phelps Finnie was appointed director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on Jan. 23, 2023. Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
A southern Illinois native, she has served as deputy director of IDNR since August 2021, overseeing legislative affairs; land management, which includes state parks and historic sites; mines and minerals; and oil and gas. She also served as the Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act coordinator for the department, coordinating with the governor’s office and the U.S. Department of Interior to manage one of the largest capital investments in Illinois history.
Phelps Finnie served as a state representative for Illinois’ 118th Legislative District from September 2017 to January 2019. She has the distinction of being the first woman to hold that position, as well as being the first nurse to serve in the history of the General Assembly. She comes from a family of public servants. Her father served in the Illinois General Assembly from 1985 to 1998 and in Congress from 1999 to 2002.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Indiana and a master’s degree in nursing-family nurse practitioner from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. As a health care provider, she is uniquely positioned to lead IDNR with her ability to rely on empathy and dissecting questions to get at the heart of problems while bringing people together. Likewise, her science background includes extensive education in biological sciences that will provide useful in policy decisions concerning the environment and conservation.
Phelps Finnie and her husband, Kyle, have three children – Lilly, Addy and Clay. They are active members of Star General Baptist Church in Eldorado. As a member of a family with a strong singing tradition, she is involved with the music ministry at church and sings in a gospel trio with her two sisters, known as The Phelps Sisters.
Christina Shutt
Executive Director
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum
Christina Shutt is the executive director of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, the premier institution for understanding the history and legacy of Abraham Lincoln and Illinois. She is a recognized leader in libraries and museums and is frequently sought after for her expertise in museum management and accreditation.
Since her appointment in 2021, Shutt has worked with legislators to transform the position of Illinois State Historian to focus on underrepresented history, launched community outreach efforts to make the institution more welcoming and inclusive, and hosted the signing ceremony to make Juneteenth an official state holiday in Illinois. Additionally, her innovative and collaborative leadership resulted in the ALPLM being awarded first-time national museum accreditation, a distinction only 3% of museums hold in the United States.
Lisa McClure
Legislative Liaison
Illinois Department of Revenue
Lisa McClure has dedicated 26 years of her career to serving the state of Illinois. Lisa embarked on her State of Illinois career journey from the humblest of beginnings in an entry level position at the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Over the years, she has combined work and education, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and professional development. Lisa’s determination and hard work have propelled her upward allowing her to progress within state government.
Lisa is a now a seasoned constituent services liaison with a passion for public service. Since 2014, she has been at the forefront of bridging the gap between Illinois citizens and government. Lisa served as a constituent services liaison with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and then with Department of Human Services (DHS). Her commitment to advocacy and problem-solving led her to her current role at the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) where she works as a legislative liaison monitoring newly introduced legislation as well as serving as an agency contact for members of the General Assembly.
Lisa resides in Springfield with her husband Mark of 20 years. They take pride in being the parents of a large, blended family.
Mona Martin
Founder
Mona Martin Government Affairs & Consulting
Mona Martin is a contract lobbyist and owner of her own firm, specializing in state government affairs, with an emphasis on access to healthcare. Prior to lobbying, she worked for the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, where she was the Deputy Director for the Office of Policy Development, Planning, and Research. In this capacity, she worked closely with the Governor’s Office, performing key functions for business deals, such as bringing the Boeing Company to Chicago. Ms. Martin was also part of a team that worked to expand the biotech industry in Illinois and bring the BIO 2006 Annual International Convention to Chicago.
During her 10 years with the Legislature, Ms. Martin was the Director of Research and Appropriations for the House Republican Staff for 7 years. She was responsible for developing the legislative agenda and fiscal policy for the caucus, in addition to coordinating the procedural conduct of the House during the 89th General Assembly. Ms. Martin resides in Springfield with her husband Dave and son Ben.
Dean Abbott
Radio & Audio Manager
Office of the House Minority Leader
After a 25+ year career in radio and television in Colorado, Wyoming, and Illinois, Dean Abbott came to the House Republican caucus in March of 2004. He immediately began working with radio stations throughout the state of Illinois, providing audio cuts of House Republican members from all corners of the state. His coverage includes Republican members explaining their bills and how they will affect their constituents, their thoughts on the governor’s State of the State and budget address, wrap-up reports on what is taking place in Springfield, and more. Over the years that job has expanded to include different series of podcasts, including the latest, Capitol Crimes: The Crimes Behind the Legislation. “It is a job that is exciting, new, and fresh every single day” he said. “Just when you think you have seen it all, something new comes along that keeps the energy flowing and the love of the job reaching new levels.”
Dean resides in Chatham with his wife, Fran, two children and assorted cats and dogs. They are owners of Scoop Du Jour, an ice cream, coffee, and donut shop in Chatham.
OUR MODERATOR
Vicki Crawford
Communications Strategist
In her 30 years in state government Vicki Crawford has worked with six administrations, witnessed an impeachment and watched an Illinois state senator became President of the United States. She brings her unique experiences working “under the dome” to her role as moderator for our Lightning Talks.
Vicki began her career with the state of Illinois in the Office of the Minority Leader as the Deputy Director of Communications. In 2009 she was promote to Director where she led the pubic relations staff in supporting the communications needs of more than 50 legislators. In 2013, Vicki took on the role of Press Spokesperson for the House Minority Leader developing and implementing strategic communications plans, working closely with reporters and assisting the Minority Leader with outreach. In 2017, she joined the Illinois Commerce Commission as Senior Public Information Officer in the Office of Public Affairs until her retirement in 2022.