Nixon hires Kansas commerce secretary to develop economics in Missouri

October 30, 12:21 PMSt. Louis Conservative ExaminerAndrea Simoncic

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Gov. Nixon listens to V.P. Biden speak about economic recovery

AP Photo/L.G. Patterson

Governor Jay Nixon hired David D. Kerr, of Kansas, on Thursday in hopes of growing the Missouri job market. Kerr worked in telecommunications in the St. Louis area for 15 years, and led marketing and finance teams before his 1997 relocation to Dallas. Missouri business leaders expressed excitement over Nixon's appointment, due to Kerr's experience in both state government and real-world business.

Governor Nixon spoke of the appointment, "David Kerr has an impressive resume of success as both the leader of a state economic development agency and in the private sector as a top executive with one of the largest telecommunications companies in the country. His experience will be a great asset to Missouri in the competition to attract and retain the good-paying jobs that will make the best use of our highly skilled, trained workforce."

Kerr attracted many jobs to Kansas during his time there, including businesses such as Cessna, Goodyear Tire, Spirit Aerospace, and Black & Veatch.

"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," states Richard Fleming, president of the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association.

Kerr begins his new job on Nov. 9.