Peoria NEXT Introduces New Board Leadership
Posted on June 22nd, 2004

Peoria, IL - Today at a news conference held at the USDA National Center for Agriculture Utilization Research, Peoria NEXT introduced the new Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors, Dr. Peter Johnsen.

Dr. Johnsen will assume the role previously held by Dr. Donald Rager, who will be retiring from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at the end of 2004.

Johnsen brings to the position 10 years of experience as Director of the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research (NCAUR) in Peoria. The Center is a major research facility of the United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service with a research staff of 270 and an annual operating budget of $30 million.

“I am honored to serve this organization which is so vital to the economic growth of this region,” says Dr. Johnsen. “Our mission – which is focused on Discovery, Innovation, and Commercialization – has never been more important to the growth of the greater Peoria region. I look forward to being a part of the success that lies ahead for the organization and for the region as a whole.”

In addition to Dr. Johnsen’s election as Board Chariman, Peoria NEXT also announced the appointment of Gerald Shaheen, Group President, Caterpillar Inc., who will take the place of Glen Barton on the Board of Directors. Scott Cisel, Vice President and COO, AmerenCILCO, was also recently named to the Board of Directors. Dr. David Broski, President, Bradley University, will retain his role as Vice Chairman of the Peoria NEXT Board of Directors. Also retaining his term is Doug Stewart, Regional President, National City Bank, who serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the board.

CLICK HERE to download Dr. Johnsen's bio.

For more information, visit www.peorianext.org or email info@peorianext.org.