Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-1378
Blunt Makes Key Appointments
Trish Vincent to Lead Department of Revenue, Jeff Davis to Head PSC and Chuck Pryor to Serve as Legislative Director
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov.-elect Matt Blunt today made key appointments to the Department of Revenue, the Public Service Commission (PSC) and his gubernatorial staff.
Blunt has nominated Patricia (Trish) Vincent of Jefferson City as the new state director of revenue. Vincent is currently the deputy secretary of state for business services, a position she has held for the past four years. Her nomination is subject to approval by the state Senate.
Under Blunt's direction, Vincent implemented several new technological improvements, including allowing Missouri's entrepreneurs and employers to conduct business with the office online, 24 hours a day. This effort was the driving force behind significant staff reductions and other cost-cutting measures implemented by Blunt as secretary of state.
Prior to working for Blunt, Vincent served as the in-state director for former U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft. Vincent holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration from Lincoln University in Jefferson City. Vincent's nomination to lead the Department of Revenue is Blunt's first cabinet-level appointment.
Blunt also has appointed Commissioner Jeff Davis as chairman of the five-member PSC. Davis was appointed to the commission by Gov. Bob Holden in April 2004. Prior to his appointment to the PSC, Davis served as general counsel and chief of staff for Senate President Pro-Tem Peter Kinder. In that capacity, Davis oversaw the pro-tem's legislative agenda and was responsible for recommending assignment of bills to Senate committees and provided legal advice to the Senate Gubernatorial Appointments Committee and Senate Administration Committee.
Davis, a Braggadocio, Mo. native, lives in Jefferson City. He holds a bachelors degree in political science from Southeast Missouri State University and a law degree from Washington University in St. Louis.
In his first appointment to his gubernatorial staff, Blunt has tapped Chuck Pryor to serve as his legislative director. Pryor worked as Blunt's legislative liaison in the secretary of state's office for the past four years.
Under Blunt's direction, Pryor helped guide Missouri's first comprehensive election reform bill in 25 years through a Democrat-controlled House of Representatives and a Republican-controlled Senate. The landmark legislation, which was signed into law by Holden, has made the ballot more accessible to registered voters than ever before and contains tougher anti-fraud provisions to combat election manipulation. Pryor also helped secure passage of a uniform securities bill, a uniform commercial code improvement bill and a bill that strengthened Missouri's notary laws and requirements.
Pryor, a Liberty, Mo. native, lives in Versailles where he has served as mayor and as a city council member. From 1993 to 2000, Pryor represented the 116th legislative district in the Missouri House of Representatives. While in the House, Pryor served as minority caucus chairman and as a member of committees for transportation, commerce, judiciary, agriculture, and tourism recreation and cultural affairs.
"Trish Vincent was at the forefront of our efforts to reduce costs and improve customer service in the secretary of state's office," Blunt said. "I know she will be focused on efficiency and responsible stewardship for taxpayers as the director of the department of revenue.
"Jeff Davis has demonstrated an ability to strike the proper balance between regulated utilities and Missouri consumers. I know he will continue to do this as chairman.
"Chuck Pryor is a seasoned legislator who served the people of Missouri well in the legislature and in the secretary of state's office. I look forward to his contributions and continued public service in the governor's office.
"I am pleased that Trish, Jeff and Chuck have agreed to take on these new responsibilities. Each one shares my vision for moving Missouri forward and they will be instrumental in helping me create a state government that better serves the people of Missouri while making our state an even more attractive place to live, work and raise a family."