John Watson was named executive director of the $9 billion Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System, Jefferson City, said Candy Smith, spokeswoman.
Mr. Watson begins his position on Sept. 1 and will replace Gary Findlay, who is retiring Dec. 31. Mr. Findlay, who will assist in the transition, has been executive director since 1994.
Mr. Watson previously was chief of staff to Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon until the end of last year and since has served both as a senior adviser to Mr. Nixon and also as interim state auditor after the death in February of State Auditor Tom Schweich.
Executive search firm EFL Associates assisted.
