Governor picks insurance exec for commissioner post

Gov. Mike Parson appointed John Russell as the successor to former Greene County Commissioner Lincoln Hough.

Russell, who’s president and co-founder of Pillar Insurance LLC, was sworn in yesterday afternoon as interim commissioner by Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller. The Missouri Senate, which convenes today, has 30 days to approve Parson’s appointment, according to a news release.

“I look forward to the leadership and expertise that John can bring to the commission and the citizens of Greene County,” Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon said in the release. “This is an exciting time for the county because we have an opportunity to work together to bring a lot of important projects to fruition.”

Russell will serve as an active and voting member of the commission in his interim capacity. If approved by the Senate, Russell will be one of three commissioners who oversee the county’s departments, budget and development projects, among other services. Dixon also is new to the commission, having been voted in during the November election.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and honored to work alongside the more than 800 dedicated and committed county employees to continue to move us forward as a community,” Russell said in the release.

Reached this morning, Russell said he would retain his position at Pillar Insurance while working as commissioner. He said his brothers — Jordan, who leads Springfield operations, and Jason, who runs the company’s Lebanon office — would take on additional responsibilities.

Russell’s predecessor Hough starts today as a Missouri senator representing the 30th District. The former state representative was elected in November to return to the statehouse. Hough was elected as county commissioner in August 2016.