Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel Announces Transition Team

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel today named four Missourians to head his transition efforts to bring greater accountability and transparency to the State Treasurer’s Office. The transition team brings a mix of governmental and private sector experience.

"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 Treasurer-elect Clint Zweifel. "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."

Zweifel, who has already met with Treasurer Sarah Steelman and members of her senior staff, promised Missourians a smooth transition between the administrations.

"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."

The transition team members are:

Damon Shelby Porter, Transition Chairman
Former Chief of Staff, Speaker Jim Kreider and Former Assistant Attorney General of Missouri

Damon Shelby Porter of Kansas City served as Legislative Director for Missouri Speaker of the House Steve Gaw from 1997 to 2000 and Counsel and Chief of Staff to Missouri Speaker of the House Jim Kreider from 2001 to 2003. During his tenure he was one of the youngest and only African Americans to serve as principal advisor to a state legislative presiding officer in the country. He also served as Assistant Attorney General of Missouri for Attorney General Jay Nixon. Porter earned his bachelor’s degree from Marymount University and his law degree from The Catholic University of America. He is a member of the American Council on Germany and the United States-Japan Foundation.

Connie Burkhardt
Former Curator, University of Missouri Board of Curators

Connie Burkhardt of St. Louis served on the University of Missouri Board of Curators from 1999-2005, including a term as Board President. She retired last fall after more than 20 years with Edward Jones. In 1994, she became the first woman named to the firm’s Management Committee, a group of nine principals who served as key advisors to the managing partner. An attorney, Burkhardt has a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri -St. Louis, and earned her law degree at Washington University in St. Louis.

Thomas M. Noonan
Former Chairman, Missouri Bankers Association & Former Vice Chairman, Commerce Bank of St. Louis

Thomas M. Noonan of St. Louis is the former Chairman of the Missouri Bankers Association and Vice Chairman of Commerce Bank of St. Louis. Noonan, a veteran of the United State’s Air Force, currently serves on the SSM Healthcare Corporate Board and the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital Foundation. He received a degree in economics from Saint Louis University and has taught finance at Washington University in St. Louis.

Ken Kuster
Former Director of Audits, State Auditor’s Office

Ken Kuster of Jefferson City is the former Director of Audits for the Missouri State Auditor’s Office, where he as responsible for auditing all state departments and agencies, 22 of the state’s circuit courts and 400 municipal courts. Kuster served under seven Missouri State Auditors, including four Democrats and three Republicans. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Institute of Internal Auditors. He also served 10 years on the Jefferson City Planning and Zoning Commission.

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