Jay Nixon names Kelvin Simmons to key Missouri cabinet post
Gov.-elect Jay Nixon is wasting no time filling out his cabinet, today naming a veteran of Missouri government to head his Office of Administration.
Kelvin Simmons, currently of Kansas City, is a former director of the state’s economic development office and former chairman of the Public Service Commission.
Says Nixon in a news release:
“Kelvin Simmons has the experience, intellect and managerial skill to be a great Commissioner of Administration,” Gov.-elect Nixon said. “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. I look forward to working closely with Kelvin to make sure state government uses Missourians’ hard-earned tax dollars as responsibly and effectively as possible.”
No doubt, as Nixon continues to name his cabinet members, he’ll continue to keep the rough economy in mind. As colleague Virginia Young pointed out on the mother ship today, the state’s economic picture is gloomy.
That is an important office for the many state workers here in central Missouri. OA influences every other state office. It will be especially worth watching to see if some of the programs that have been in place to help workers transition into management/leadership roles stay intact.
Mr. Simmons is a good and able man. This will be a tough job, but I think he has the credentials to succeed during a rough time. Best of luck to Mr. Simmons.
A fine appointment by the governor elect. My path crossed Mr. Simmons’ both when he worked for the late Governor Mel Carnahan and later when I served on a board that had business with the Economic Development Department. I found Mr. Simmons to be friendly, highly intelligent and diligent about the task at hand. I believe he once ran for state office, perhaps state treasurer, and I further recall voting for him, but obviously he did not get the nomination. I have been impressed by Mr. Simmons and this is a fine first appointment, along with the naming of former St. Louis Senator Wayne Goode to oversee the transition related to the budget. I hope the governor elect keeps up this quality of appointments.
I worked with Simmons when he was Director of Economic Development, he will do an outstanding job as Commissioner of Administration.
Kelvin is a great choice. I got to know him while covering City Hall in KC as a reporter when he was a Councilman in the Mayor Cleaver era. He is unpretentious and cares about people.