Nixon makes first cabinet appointment
In Gov.-elect Jay Nixon's first appointment to his cabinet, Kelvin Simmons, a former director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, was named the commissioner of the Office of Administration on Monday.
"Kelvin Simmons has the experience, intellect and managerial skill to be a great Commissioner of Administration," Nixon said in a news release. "Kelvin's passion for public service and success in the private sector make him a uniquely qualified choice for this important position. During these difficult economic times, we must find ways to make government more efficient and accountable to the people."
Simmons has held positions in both the public and private sectors.
"It's clear that Missouri is facing difficult economic times," Simmons said in a news release after his appointment. "Just as Missouri families are looking for ways to do more with less, we must be ready to do the same in state government. Under Gov.-elect Nixon's leadership, we'll make government more efficient and improve services for the taxpayers. I'm honored Gov.-elect Nixon has asked me to join his team, and I look forward to returning to public service as part of his administration."
Simmons, who graduated from MU in 1986, has worked for several government agencies in the state. He became director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, which is within the Office of Administration. He was also named chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission in 2001, and then was appointed as director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development in 2003 by then-Gov. Bob Holden.
Simmons was the first black person to hold the position.
In the private sector, Simmons has founded A.M. Development Company, a political consulting firm.
I spoke with Simmons during the last few days of the elections season (seems so long ago, doesn't it?) at a NAACP forum for local legislative candidates here in Columbia. He was at the forum to speak for state Rep. Judy Baker, D-Columbia, who was running for Missouri's 9th Congressional District.