SPRINGFIELD - The push to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday in Illinois got a new leader Monday.

Jan Grimes, who used to lead the state's agency on construction projects, was named director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.

She said a longtime interest in Lincoln and history led her to wanting to switch jobs.

"My nose has been pressed against the window wanting to get into the agency for years," Grimes said.

She was formerly paid $109,000 a year as director of the Capital Development Board, said spokesman Dave Blanchette. Grimes' new salary will be decided by the Historic Preservation Agency board.

Grimes said the celebration of Lincoln's 200th birthday will be her most immediate new challenge. She said she'll also push for state historic sites to be opened seven days a week.

Grimes said the past several years leading the state's main construction agency without lawmakers' approving a capital construction plan have been difficult. Though she said she's enjoyed trying to push for new construction, saying many state facilities need it soon.

"It gets more and more dire every year," she said.

Jim Reimer will work as the acting Capital Development Board director.