Former Kreider Staffer Part of Zweifel Transition Team

Democratic Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel named four people to head his transition efforts Tuesday.

One served as the Chief of Staff to Former House Speaker Jim Kreider.

"In these tough economic times, it's imperative that Missourians know that their tax dollars will be handled in the most transparent and prudent manner possible," said Zweifel in a statement Tuesday. "This transition team will help me assemble the most qualified and professional staff to implement important reforms that bring increased accountability and transparency to the Treasurer's Office."

Damon Shelby Porter will serve as Transition Chairman. Porter was both legislative director to former Missouri Speaker Steve Gaw and counsel and Chief of Staff to Speaker Kreider. He was one of the youngest and only African American to serve as a principal advisor to a state legislative presiding officer in the country.

Other members of Zweifel's transition team include:

• Connie Burkhardt, Former Curator, University of Missouri Board of Curators
• Thomas M. Noonan, Former Chairman of the Missouri Bankers Association & Former Vice Chairman of Commerce Bank of St. Louis
• Ken Kuster, Former Director of Audits, State Auditor's Office

Zweifel also praised outgoing Treasurer Sarah Steelman and her staff for a smooth transition process. "Treasurer Steelman and her staff have gone out of their way to make this transition as seamless as possible," Zweifel said. "I appreciate her dedication to the office and look forward to continuing to work with her over the next couple months."