Nixon appoints state auditor to succeed Schweich

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon appointed the Boone County treasurer to step in as state auditor following the death of Tom Schweich.

A Democrat, Nicole Galloway has served as treasurer of the county - where Columbia is the county seat - since 2011, according to a news release. She takes over for John Watson, the governor’s senior adviser who was named interim auditor a day after Schweich took his own life Feb. 26, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

“Every Missourian should know that this office will continue to hold itself – and others – to the highest standards of excellence and accountability,” Galloway said in the release. “The people of Missouri have my commitment that I will be an independent watchdog that reviews all levels of government with even-handedness and integrity.

“The office will be committed to protecting taxpayers and ensuring that government is held accountable for the resources it uses and to the citizens it serves.”

As Boone County treasurer, Galloway manages the county’s $100 million investment portfolio, issues general obligation and revenue bonds for the county, and oversees unclaimed property.

As auditor, the certified public accountant and certified fraud examiner will be tasked with leading a roughly 115-employee office designed to ensure the proper use of public funds and improve the efficiency of state agencies, boards and commission, as well as the circuit court system and counties that do not have an auditor.

Galloway is scheduled to be sworn into office during the week of April 27 and will fill the remainder of Schweich’s term that expires in January 2019.

“Tom Schweich’s death was a terrible loss for our state and a deeply personal tragedy for his family and loved ones,” Nixon said in the release. “I know that Nicole Galloway will provide the judgment, integrity and experience that this statewide office requires, and which were provided by Auditor Watson during a difficult time.”

A month after the death of his boss, Schweich’s media director, Spence Jackson, also committed suicide. Both were Republicans, according to SBJ archives.[[In-content Ad]]