Gov.-elect Jay Nixon Names Kelvin Simmons Designee for Commissioner of Administration-Courtesy of the Office of Missouri Governor.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov.-elect Jay Nixon today announced his intention to appoint Mr. Kelvin L. Simmons, a Kansas City businessman, to the position of Commissioner of Administration beginning in January. Mr. Simmons, who has managed multiple state agencies and private organizations, will bring extensive experience in the governmental, non-profit and business sectors to the Office of Administration.

"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."

"It's clear that Missouri is facing difficult economic times. Just as Missouri families are looking for ways to do more with less, we must be ready to do the same in state government," Mr. Simmons said. "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."

During his career in state government, Mr. Simmons has led two major state agencies. From 2001 to 2003, he was Chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission, an agency with a $20 million budget and 218 employees. In 2003, Mr. Simmons left the Public Service Commission when Gov. Bob Holden appointed him Director of the Department of Economic Development, where he was responsible for managing a budget of $275 million and 1,550 employees.

Mr. Simmons first joined Missouri state government in 1993 as Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity in the Office of Administration. Later that year, Gov. Mel Carnahan appointed Mr. Simmons Director of Constituent Services in his office, where he served until 1996. Mr. Simmons was elected city councilman in Kansas City's Fifth District in 1997 and re-elected in 1999.

Since leaving the Department of Economic Development in 2005, Mr. Simmons has worked for a variety of private organizations, including non-profit agencies and consulting groups. In 2006, he founded A.M. Development Company, a consulting firm that provides public policy, strategic planning and executive recruitment services for its clients.

Mr. Simmons, 45, earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies and communications studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1986. He earned an executive MBA from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1999.

As the state's main service and control agency, the Office of Administration coordinates the central management functions of the state government. The Office of Administration includes seven divisions: accounting; budget and planning; facilities management, design and construction; general services; information technology services; personnel; and purchasing and materials management. The Commissioner is appointed by the Governor with advice and consent from the Senate. Courtesy of the Office of Missouri Governor, November 17, 2008.

Admirers of Commissioner Kelvin Adams.