Franklin County Treasurer John Gulley will formally tender his resignation to the Franklin County Board on Tuesday.
Gulley was hired Tuesday night by the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees as the college’s comptroller. Gulley’s resignation will become effective Feb. 28, and he will begin his new duties March 1.
Gulley, a Democrat, has been county treasurer since 2006. He was elected that year following the retirement of Juva Wynn. He was re-elected without opposition in 2010 and 2014.
Gulley said he was not necessarily looking for a new job when the college position was advertised.
“I looked it over, talked it over with my family and thought it was a good fit for me," Gulley said. "It was just too good of an opportunity to pass up."
He added, “The comptroller runs the college’s business office. A lot of the duties and responsibilities are comparable to what I do as treasurer.”
Gulley received his bachelor’s degree from SIU Carbondale in 2000. He received his master’s degree in public administration in 2005.
While in college, he was an intern for State Rep. Larry Woolard. He joined Woolard’s office when he was elected to the state senate. He also worked in the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for three years.
He is a former precinct committeeman and served on the Tyrone Township Board.
Gulley, his wife Nancy, and two daughters, Audrey, 13, and Claire, 8, reside in Sesser. Gulley was the valedictorian of his graduating class at Sesser-Valier High School.
“I will miss the people I work with," Gulley said. "When you work with people everyday you end up spending as much time with them as you do with your family. I’ve developed great friendships over the years.”
At the same time, Gulley looks forward to a new environment.
“The entire atmosphere is different at the college than it is at the courthouse," Gulley said. "Being a tax collector is not the most attractive job. The atmosphere day in and day out can wear on a person. It’s not a positive atmosphere.”
Gulley said the county’s financial status did not play a role in his decision.
“I think the county’s financial situation is not great, but we’re not at the point of no return," Gulley said. "It’s manageable at this point. We never worry about making payroll, but it needs constant attention and needs to be improved."
Gulley said that while he enjoys the political process, it’s unlikely he will seek another office.
“I’m not going to jeopardize my position at the college,” he said.
