JEFFERSON CITY — David D. Kerr, commerce secretary for the state of Kansas, will shift his allegiances east and try to rev up the job market in Missouri.

Kerr, 56, was tapped Thursday by Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon as director of the state's Department of Economic Development. He begins the $120,000-a-year job Nov. 9.

Kerr isn't new to Missouri. A former telecommunications executive, he worked for SBC and AT&T in St. Louis for more than 15 years. He led marketing and finance teams before moving to Dallas in 1997.

St. Louis business leaders lauded Kerr's appointment. They said he brings the perfect blend of state government expertise and real-world business experience.

"A director of economic development has to be comfortable in both arenas," said Kathy Osborn, who served on an advisory panel that helped Nixon fill the post. Osborn works for the Regional Business Council, which consists of CEOs of 100 St. Louis-area companies.

Former Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius hired Kerr in April 2007 to spearhead job recruitment. At the time, he was the president of AT&T Kansas, where he directed regulatory efforts and public policy.

Kerr is credited with luring investment and jobs to Kansas from companies such as Goodyear Tire, Spirit Aerospace, Black & Veatch and Cessna.

"It's a little like the Cardinals getting a veteran pitcher or a veteran outfielder who has already proven himself and adding him to the lineup," said Richard Fleming, president of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association.

One key area cited by Missouri officials was Kerr's background in attracting science and technology jobs. He worked with Republican legislators in Kansas to set up a bioscience authority funded by income taxes generated from bioscience jobs. The agency helped Kansas State University land a biodisease lab.

"It's been very forward-thinking," said Kelly Gillespie, head of the Missouri Biotechnology Association.

Missouri often competes with Kansas for such projects, and Kansas City-area legislators frequently marvel at the prowess of their western neighbor.

"Everybody always looks to Kansas," said Senate President Pro Tem Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph. Now, Nixon "hired the guy that's been doing it. I think the governor made a good choice."

Kerr's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Republican-controlled Senate. Shields said he will sponsor the nomination.

A native of Ness City in western Kansas, Kerr has bachelor's degrees in economics and business administration from Avila University in Kansas City.

Kerr's leadership style "is very unassuming," said Jim Anderson, president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. "He's a great person to forge relationships with elected officials and with communities."

Kerr replaces Linda Martinez, a St. Louis attorney who resigned in September, citing differences with Nixon.