January 8, 2009

Former U.S. Secret Service Agent, Global Security Director for Anheuser-Busch Companies, to Lead State Public Safety Department

Gov.-elect Nixon Names John M. Britt Designee for Director of Public Safety

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Gov.-elect Jay Nixon today announced his intention to appoint John M. Britt, of Chesterfield, Mo., to the position of Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety. In this position, Mr. Britt, a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Secret Service, will oversee numerous state programs and agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Missouri State Water Patrol, the Missouri Capitol Police, the Missouri National Guard and the State Emergency Management Agency.

“John Britt will bring decades of experience in law enforcement and a strong background in corporate leadership with him to the Department of Public Safety,” Gov.-elect Nixon said. “Together, John and I will ensure that the Department is doing everything it can to keep Missouri families safe from crime, terrorism and natural disasters and to support our law enforcement community. Coming directly from the private sector, John will offer new, fresh ideas about improving and streamlining operations, and I look forward to having him on my team.”

“During his 16 years as Attorney General, Gov.-elect Nixon distinguished himself as a strong leader on public safety issues, and I know he will continue to do so as Governor,” Mr. Britt said. “In today’s world, Missourians are affected by emergencies and challenges not only in our local communities, but also from across the country and around the globe. It is crucial that the Department of Public Safety remains vigilant and proactive, and we must utilize all available resources to safeguard our state and its citizens. I consider immediate dialogue and close liaison with federal and local law enforcement, as well as the entire public safety community, to be Job One.”

For 27 years, Mr. Britt served in a variety of positions with the U.S. Secret Service. From 1999 to 2002, he was Special Agent in Charge of the Service’s St. Louis division. During his tenure with the Service, Mr. Britt assisted with the protection of numerous national and international leaders, including the President and Vice President, and he coordinated security for the visit of Pope John Paul II to the United States in 1999. In addition, Mr. Britt served with the Service’s bank fraud squad, the protective intelligence squad, the criminal response squad and other units around the country and overseas.

In 2002, Mr. Britt became senior director for global security at the Anheuser-Busch Companies in St. Louis, with responsibility for the safety of all corporate facilities, assets and 38,000 employees. Mr. Britt has personally directed and coordinated security for senior company executives, and he has overseen the security operations for significant corporate activities, including national sales conventions, shareholders meetings and the company’s participation in major events, such as the Super Bowl and Olympics. He retired from Anheuser-Busch in 2008.

Prior to joining the Secret Service, Mr. Britt was a police officer in University City, Mo., for two years. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Association of Retired Agents of the U.S. Secret Service, the Missouri Police Chiefs Association and the Missouri Association of State Troopers Emergency Relief Society. Mr. Britt serves on the board of the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council and is a past member of the St. Louis Area Police Chief’s Association.

Mr. Britt, 59, graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. He and his wife, Peggy, have three grown children.

Established in 1974, the Missouri Department of Public Safety is responsible for a wide range of law enforcement, emergency management and juvenile justice programs and services. The Governor appoints the Director with the advice and consent of the State Senate.