By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Governor-elect Jay Nixon has made his first Cabinet choice.
He's picked Kelvin Simmons to be his Office of Administration Commissioner.
Simmons, 45, is the former chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission, and also served as Director of the Economic Development Department under former Governor Bob Holden.
Nixon says he's the right man for the job.
"During these challenging economic times, I know Kelvin will do a great job managing the Office of Administration...and I look forward to working with him to ensure that state government uses the taxpayers' dollars as efficiently and effectively and responsibly as possible," Nixon said.
Simmons currently runs a consulting firm in Kansas City.
The governor's Office of Administration is responsible for various duties, including computer services, facilities management and accounting.
And one of Simmons' primary duties will be overseeing the State Budget office.
"One of the things that we'll continue to do is look for efficiencies, look for opportunities to do more with less, look for strategic partnerships...we'll put all those things on the table," Simmons said.
He'll take office the same day Nixon does, though Simmons will also have to be confirmed by the State Senate to retain the job.