Commission

Missouri State Public Defender Commission

The governing body of the Missouri State Public Defender is a Commission appointed by the Governor. The term of office of each commissioner is six years or until a successor is selected. Commissioners may succeed themselves.

The Public Defender Commission is responsible for the hiring of the State Public Defender Director. They also, with the assistance of the Director, determine the philosophy of the State Public Defender. They review the budget request prepared by the Director and provide support of the request before the legislature. They make any rules needed for the administration of the State Public Defender.

Current Commissioners

Charles E. Atwell, Chair Kansas City Lawyer Member Democrat
Larry H. Ferrell, Vice Chair Cape Girardeau Lawyer Member Republican
Gary B. Fuhr, Secretary Imperial Public Member Republican
Gloria C. Reno University City Lawyer Member Democrat
Roy Richter Ozark Lawyer Member Republican
Rodney Schad Versailles Public Member Republican
Mary Fox, Director Columbia Ex-Officio Member