A tourism official from St. Joseph is the new leader of the Missouri Tourism Commission, replacing Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder.

Officials picked Marci Bennett as the chairwoman for the state commission Tuesday. Bennett works as the executive director of the St. Joseph Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Commissioners supporting Bennett's selection say her budget experience is important because of the difficulties posed by the state's financial hardships. Commissioners approved $1.6 million in budget cuts aimed at advertising during Tuesday's meeting.

For next year, the Tourism Commission is preparing for a budget between $11 million and $16 million. That's down from a roughly $24 million budget.

Kinder had announced plans earlier this fall to step down as chairman. He will remain on the commission.