The newly created executive director for governmental relations position has been filled, according to a news release. On Sept. 20, UCM President Roger Best announced the appointment of former Missouri Senator David Pearce to the position. Pearce, who currently serves as senior policy coordinator in the Missouri Treasurer’s Office, will assume his new role Oct. 7, according to the news release.

From this position Pearce will work with Best and other senior administrators to create legislative priorities of the university and will communicate them regularly to elected officials. He will also help identify state and federal fiscal resources, provide legislative reports to the Board of Governors and coordinate responses to inquiries from state officials, according to the news release.

Prior to serving in his current position in the Missouri Treasurer’s Office, Pearce served for eight years in the Missouri senate and six years in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was recognized by the UCM Student Government Association in 2006 when it presented him the James C. Kirkpatrick Excellence in Government Award.