ABRAHAM LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, October 15, 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. Executive Assistant, Pam Waldeck called the roll.
Trustees Present
Chicago
Gary Johnson, Chair
Joan Brodsky
Jason Lesniewicz
Melinda Spitzer-Johnston
Springfield
Kathryn Harris
Tiffany Mathis Posey
Dan Monroe
Virtual/Phone-in Attendance
Steven Beckett
Absent
Jessica Harris
Eunice Santos
Martin Sandoval
A quorum was present.
Staff Present
Chicago
Mark Mahoney, Chief of Staff
Gloria Legette, Chief Legal Counsel
Pam Waldeck, Executive Assistant
Springfield
Christina Shutt, Executive Director
Christen Stanley, Chief Operating Officer
Davina Hughes, Deputy Legal Counsel
Tammy Miner, Chief Fiscal Officer
Chris Wills, Communications Director
Guests Present
none
Public Comments
none
Consent Items
Chairman Johnson requested a motion to approve the June 4, 2025, minutes.
Trustee Joan Brodsky motioned to approve the June 4, 2025, minutes. Trustee Kathryn Harris seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
Chairman Report
Chairman Johnson read his speech from August of 2005 on his first day as the President of the Chicago History Museum; History is a Cause.
Administrative Reports
Executive Director Report
Executive Director gave a report on various highlights and the future in and around the ALPLM. First that the museum and library recently became an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the Mary Lincoln Garden was opened with a celebration in the garden at the ALPLM. The Lincoln Life and Legacy exhibition was opened and has been a success, and the Lincoln book is available at all book selling outlets.
Executive Director Shutt touched on local business and growth within the ALPLM. She also gave a national overview of museums since the COVID 19 pandemic of 2020. A report on overall travel and attendance data was given on both the ALPLM and national museums and libraries.
Following Executive Director Shutt’s report, a brief discussion followed regarding the hiring of a state historian and artificial intelligence policy development.
Chief of Staff Report
COS Mark Mahoney reported on staff retention and growth and filling vacancies at the agency. Chief Mahoney gave a project progress report on the electric vehicle charging station at the ALPLM garage, the rigging and carpet project, backup generators and resurfacing of the library parking lot and the solar project, which kicks off in the spring of 2026.
Chief Operating Officer Report
COO Christen Stanley briefly updated the board regarding the agency’s participation and contribution to Project 250. She also reported on the More Perfect organization and how the ALPLM has been collaborating with them.
Citizen City is moving forward, and funding has been nearly completed. COO Christen Stanley briefly gave plans for the Summer 2026/America 250 Exhibit.
The department has completed the ALPLM’s interpretative plan, which will be posted online.
Chief Legal Council Report
CLC Gloria Legette gave a brief report on staying in compliance with state law and compliance requirements.
ALPLM policies and procedures are being reviewed and aligned with statutory authority and best practices.
CLC Legette spoke on the process for accessing trainings and options to complete the required annual Ethics trainings.
Finance Report
CFO Tammy Miner spoke on the external audit and will address any findings as that report is completed and the ILMF grant money. CFO Tammy Miner also spoke on preparation for the upcoming budget hearings.
A brief discussion followed.
New Business
Discussion and Vote on the Library Loan Extensions
- Trustee Dan Monroe motioned to approve both the JFK Presidential Library, and the Governor’s Mansion extension adoption. Trustee Tiffany Mathis Posey seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Discussion and Vote on the ALPLM Development Policies
- Trustee Kathryn Harris motioned to approve the Development Policies with the suggested language revisions. Trustee Joan Brodsky seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
A brief discussion followed and initiated by Trustee Tiffany Mathis Posey concerning the changes to the Development Policies regarding donations, fundraising and the expectations of leadership in regard to the policies.
Executive Session
Chairman Johnson requested a motion to move to closed session. Trustee Melinda Spitzer-Johnston made a motion to enter executive session to discuss matters involving 5IL CS120/2C1 Trustee Jason Lesniewicz seconded the motion. Motion Carried.
Old Business
None
New Business following Executive Session
Upon calling the meeting back to order Chairman Johnson asked if there were any other motions to be made.
- The Board Chair requested a Motion that the Board has determined the need for confidentiality still exists for the minutes of its closed sessions due to the confidential nature of discussions held under 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(1) and (21) and therefore should remain closed. Trustee Tiffany Mathis Posey made the motion and there was a unanimous vote. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Adjournment
With no further business, Chairman Johnson made a motion to adjourn. Motion made by Trustee Tiffany Mathis Posey and Trustee Kathryn Harris seconded. Motion Carried Unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 2:04pm.