ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, December 10, 2025 – 12:00 PM
Illinois Room, 555 W Monroe, Chicago, IL
and
Governor’s Conference Room, 112 N 6th St, Springfield, IL
Call to Order
Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 12:15 pm and asked that the roll be called. Board Secretary Pam Waldeck called the roll.
Trustees Present
Chicago
Gary Johnson, Chair
Joan Brodsky
Margaet van Dijk
Martin Sandoval
Springfield
Dan Monroe
Jessica Harris
Kathryn Harris
Tiffany Mathis Posey
Steven Beckett
Absent
Jason Lesniewicz
Melinda Spitzer-Johnston
A quorum was present.
Staff Present
Chicago
Christina Shutt, Executive Director
Mark Mahoney, Chief of Staff
Gloria Legette, Chief Legal Counsel
Pam Waldeck, Board Secretary
Springfield
Christen Stanley, Chief Operating Officer
Davina Hughes, Deputy Legal Counsel
Tammy Miner, Chief Fiscal Officer
Chris Wills, Communications Director
Jeramy Tedrow, Chief Information Officer
Guests Present
none
Public Comments
none
Consent Items
Chairman Johnson requested a motion to approve the October 15, 2025, minutes.
Trustee Steven Beckett motioned to approve the October 15, 2025, minutes. Trustee Tiffany Mathis Posey seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
Chairman Report
Chairman Gary Johnson announced the resignation of Trustee Eunice Santos. Chairman Johnson expressed appreciation to Trustee Santos for her years of service to the Board.
Chairman Johnson introduced and welcomed Trustee Margaret van Dijk as the Board’s newest trustee. Trustee van Dijk offered brief introductory remarks regarding her service and experience.
During the Chairman’s report, Chairman Johnson raised the topic of identifying a stand-in vice-chair to preside over meetings in the event of his absence. Chairman Johnson noted that practices varied among other state Boards and that there were no formal rules or statutes governing a vice – chair role for this Board. Chief Legal Counsel Gloria Legette provided additional context regarding how similar appointments are handled across other state Boards and commissions. Chairman Johnson asked that the Board consider the matter to appoint a stand-in vice-chair and to discuss the item in the next Board of trustees meeting on March 11, 2026.
Several trustees expressed support for a vice chair designation to be appointed by the Board at the next meeting.
Administrative Reports
Executive Director Report
Executive Director Shutt provided a comprehensive update on agency operations, recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives. She highlighted notable developments that continue to advance the mission and visibility of the ALPLM. Executive Director Shutt highlighted the news coverage informational flyer included in the meeting materials summarizing the past year’s media coverage. Director Shutt reported that the news coverage has increased museum attendance and visitor engagement across multiple platforms, with attendance remaining strong throughout the winter season, which is generally not the case in the colder months.
Director Shutt reported that the ALPLM was selected as the alternate site for the 2025 Holiday Illinois Products Market, which was a great success, with vendors noting their sales were up 25% compared to the previous year.
Executive Director Shutt provided updates on major projects. She announced that progress has continued on the America 250 project, positioning the ALPLM as a key statewide contributor to the national America 250 initiative. She also reported continued advancement on the Citizen City exhibit project.
Executive Director Shutt provided an update on the ALPLM Strategic Plan, reporting that implementation is 92 percent complete and remains approximately two years ahead of schedule. She recognized the coordinated work of staff across multiple divisions in helping achieve this accelerated timeline.
Executive Director S concluded her report by announcing that the Lincoln Group of New York awarded her, Dr. Ian Hunt, and the ALPLM its annual Book of the Year honor for the publication Lincoln in 100 Objects. She noted that recognition reflects the institution’s continued excellence in scholarship and public history.
Chief of Staff Report
Chief of Staff (COS) Mark Mahoney reported that the position of Director of Marketing has been filled through an internal promotion. He noted the selected candidate was determined to be the strongest candidate during the selection process. The Chief of Staff reported other vacancies are expected to be filled very soon.
Chief of Staff Mahoney announced that the agency’s Human Resources Director accepted a position at another state agency and that the position was filled by an experienced Human Resources Director from the Illinois Department of Central Management Services.
A brief update and highlights regarding several ongoing agency projects and developments were given.
Chief Operating Officer Report
Chief Operating Officer Christen Stanley updated the Board on the current exhibit Lincoln: A Life and Legacy that Defined a Nation and its use of artificial intelligence as part of the visitor experience, which is brought forth to the public in a very transparent way. Chief Operating Officer Stanley reported that the exhibit has been very well received.
COO Stanley made the announcement that the agency’s longest standing employee would be retiring after 40 years of service on December 31st and that the ALPLM was grateful for her years of service.
Chief Legal Counsel Report
Chief Legal Counsel Gloria Legette reported that the agency continues to refine several policies to ensure compliance and to support operational best practices, including policies related to development, artificial intelligence, and venue rentals and sustainability.
Chief Legal Counsel Legette thanked members of the Board for their assistance in reviewing the draft Development policies and for their review of the draft Artificial Intelligence policy. She noted that trustees provided valuable recommendations, including considerations related to archival practices and the preservation of historical materials.
She reported that policy refinement remains ongoing and that staff training related to the appropriate use of Artificial Intelligence is anticipated in early 2026.
A brief discussion followed regarding Artificial Intelligence.
Chief Legal Counsel Legette also provided information regarding the process for accessing and completing the State’s required annual ethics training.
Finance Report
Chief Fiscal Officer Tammy Miner reported that the auditors are close to completing their report and will soon be finalizing the audit results. She noted that there is also preparation underway for the upcoming budget hearings. Chief Fiscal Officer Miner reported that the Finance Department currently has three vacancies to be filled, and interviews are nearing completion.
It was also reported that the rigging project and carpet replacement project, which had been underway for over two years, is near completion and will be closed out in the near future.
New Business
Discussion and Vote on the 2026 Meeting Dates
- Trustee Marting Sandoval motioned to approve both the 2026 Meeting Dates. Trustee Katherine Harris seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Discussion and Vote on the Library Loan Extensions for Peoria Riverfront Museum
- Trustee Dan Monroe motioned to approve the Loan Extensions for Peoria Riverfront Museum. Trustee Katherine Harris seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
A discussion regarding the agency’s insurance which is in addition to the state of Illinois insurance policy for artifacts and artwork on loan and the costs pertaining to moving and delivering artifacts and art took place.
Chief Legal Counsel gave a brief update and report on the ethics compliance for the agency.
Executive Session
There was no executive session.
Old Business
None
Adjournment
With no further business, Chairman Johnson made a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Trustee Dan Monroe and Trustee Kathryn Harris seconded. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 1:30pm.