By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri Governor-elect Jay Nixon has named his transition team.
The team is being led by Charles Burson, former Chief of Staff and General Counsel for former Vice President Al Gore.
Burson says they'll hire people well qualified to handle Missouri's budget and other critical needs.
"We're (going to) cast a very broad net, not just those that you might assume might hold Cabinet and sub-Cabinet positions, but to get names in, sifted, vetted, and ultimately moved on to Governor-elect Nixon," Burson said.
In addition, John Watson, Nixon's current Chief of Staff as Attorney General, will become Chief of Staff for the Governor's office.
"He brings both public sector and private sector experience, and has helped lead the team that I think has produced the most efficient and effective office in state government...last year we saved or returned to taxpayers $20.83 for every dollar appropriated, and John is one of the real reasons why that's possible," Nixon said.
The transition team is co-chaired by former State Supreme Court judge Ronnie White of St. Louis, Springfield businesswoman Nadia Cavner, and former lawmaker and Mizzou quarterback Phil Snowden of Kansas City.
Burson says he hopes to have all of Nixon's Cabinet positions filled by January 12th, the day Nixon takes the oath of office.