Governor picks Scott Fitzpatrick as treasurer

Gov. Mike Parson today announced his selection of southwest Missouri legislator Scott Fitzpatrick as state treasurer.

Rep. Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob, succeeds Eric Schmitt, who last month was appointed by Parson as attorney general as Josh Hawley heads to the U.S. Senate.

"Scott has built his career, as a small-business owner and legislator, with a proven track record of being a wise steward and protector of the people’s money," Parson said in a news release. “From the beginning of this administration, it has been a top priority that we strive to provide stability and instill confidence for all Missourians – that we can and will move forward. Missourians will soon have another fully qualified, ready to lead, fiscal conservative managing the treasurer’s office."

First elected at age 25 in 2012, Fitzpatrick has represented Barry and portions of Stone and Lawrence counties in his position as a member of the state House of Representatives. He's also the owner and founder of Shell Knob-based MariCorps US LLC, which was a finalist in 2017 for Springfield Business Journal's Economic Impact Awards. The company reported $9.1 million in 2016 revenue manufacturing and consulting on steel floating docks and boat-lift systems.

As state treasurer, he'll essentially serve as Missouri's chief financial officer, managing state revenue and investments. He’s also charged with maintaining the state’s AAA bond rating, according to Treasurer.Mo.gov. The treasurer additioanlly handles unclaimed property and the MOST 529 Savings Plan, among other initiatives.

"As House budget chairman, I’ve worked to protect Missouri taxpayers by passing balanced budgets that eliminate wasteful spending while investing in our shared priorities," Fitzpatrick said in the release. "As state treasurer, I’ll continue to work each and every day to promote government transparency and efficiency.”