PEORIA, Ill. — There is a glaring absence at this year’s Illinois Pork Expo, which kicked off yesterday morning in Peoria and concludes with an awards banquet this evening (Feb. 4). That’s because Jim Kaitschuk, executive director of the Illinois Pork Producers Assoc. (IPPA), accepted the position of legislative director for new Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The position became effective Jan. 26. “It has been a tremendous blessing to be a part of this organization and the rich tradition and bounty that it provides,” said Kaitschuk, in an IPPA news release. “I believe Governor Rauner is the right person for the job. However, he can’t do it alone and I value the opportunity to work for his administration on the list of challenges we all face.”

IPPA President Todd Dail of Whiteside County thanked Kaitschuk for everything he had accomplished for pork producers, as well as of Illinois agriculture during his 12 years with IPPA. “We wish him well in his new position, and look forward to the achievements the administration will have,” Dail said.

Rauner, a Winnetka Republican, defeated former Gov. Pat Quinn in a closely-contested race last November, ending more than a decade of Democrat leadership in Springfield. Tim Maiers, IPPA public and media relations director, was appointed as IPPA interim executive director following Kaitschuk’s acceptance of Rauner’s appointment.

“We hate to lose Jim. He’s been a great asset to the pork industry and ag in general,” Maiers said. “But I think that in his new position he can be of help to agriculture. He’s in a key position to help Illinois, overall, as a state.”

With IPPA, Kaitschuk was hailed for his keen understanding of legislative and regulatory issues and his ability to bring diverse groups and individuals together to further pork’s interests. Conducting regulatory negotiations with state agencies and helping pork producers find expert advice about legal and technical matters were two of his passions during his tenure with the IPPA, according to Maiers.

“Jim has a very strong legislative and regulatory background and has worked with folks on both sides of the aisle. He can help (Rauner) work with the Illinois General Assembly to accomplish some of the things he has indicated he wants to do, and help end the political gridlock in the assembly,” he said.

“I’m excited for Jim and I know he’s looking forward to this new challenge.”

Kaitschuk thanked those in the pork industry and the IPPA board of directors for their “exceptional” involvement during his dozen years guiding the organization.

“You have a committed and strong board of directors and staff that are passionate about their industry. I have treasured this time working for the association,” stated Kaitschuk, who had served on Rauner’s agriculture transition team prior to taking his new job. ”It is difficult leaving, but this is a fantastic opportunity that promises to be challenging and exciting.”

Attempts to reach Kaitschuk for additional comment before press time were not successful.

Maiers is unsure if he’ll be interested in tossing his name in the hat for the job of IPPA executive director. “I’m honored to serve as the interim, but it’s been a whirlwind the last week or so trying to get ready for Expo and get through this transition. I haven’t made any decisions yet,” he said.

“The board has formed a search committee and has published a job description on (the IPPA) website (at www.ilpork.com). We’ll move forward with the search process and find the best person available to lead our industry forward.”