Nixon Appoints St. Louis Lawyer to Head Economic Development

Democratic Governor-Elect Jay Nixon has appointed St. Louis attorney Linda Martinez to head his administration's Economic Development department.

In a statement sent out after an announcement in St. Louis, Nixon said the 54-year-old Martinez would be a key advisor in helping implement a bipartisan jobs plan.

"After years of working closely with businesses of all sizes, Linda Martinez understands the challenges entrepreneurs face, and she is ready to lead the fight to keep and create jobs here in Missouri," Nixon said. "With her extensive experience in tax credits, bonds and financial strategy, Linda knows the economic development system inside and out. She will make an excellent Director of Economic Development, and I'm proud to have her on my team," Nixon added.

Martinez has been a member of the Bryan Cave law firm in St. Louis since 1982.

Martinez's biography on the Bryan Cave website lists her experience as developing major public-private partnerships, handling an array of development tax credits and dealing with bonds and financing.

Her appointment will require Senate approval.