People You Should Know: Clint Zweifel
Clint Zweifel
Missouri State Treasurer
JOB DESCRIPTION: I operate as Missouri’s chief financial officer. I manage $20 million in annual state revenues, direct the state’s banking services and manage the state’s $3.5 billion investment portfolio. I also manage Missouri’s Largest Lost & Found, the Unclaimed Property fund, which has $550 million waiting to be claimed by Missourians. Additionally, I chair the state’s housing agency and MOST 529: Missouri’s College Savings Plan. I also sit on the board of the state employees’ pension fund. In my office, I have set economic development, affordable college education and fiscal excellence as priorities in everything we do.
EDUCATION: I graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Bachelor of Arts in political science in 1996. I graduated from UMSL with a Master of Business Administration in 2001. I was also vice president of the UMSL Student Government Association and was editor of The Current, the student newspaper. Not to mention, I also met my wife, Janice, at UMSL.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND: I was a representative from northwest St. Louis County for six years. In the House, I was the ranking member on the Ways and Means Committee and the Special Committee on Tax Reform. I also created proposals on early-childhood education, higher education affordability, helping seniors cope with property taxes and guarding citizen privacy. Additionally, I worked for Teamsters Local 688 in the St. Louis area where I assisted members in planning their retirements.
A COLUMBIA BUSINESSPERSON I ADMIRE AND WHY: Gov. Roger Wilson because he is honest, upfront and straightforward. Additionally, he has consistently shown strong leadership in our state. Columbia is fortunate to have him.
WHY I’M PASSIONATE ABOUT MY JOB: It is the idea that I can wake up each morning and try to make a tangible difference in the lives of Missourians. I get to go to work and put resources to use to create and retain jobs in Missouri, increase access to an affordable college education and ensure taxpayers resources are being put to responsible and productive use. Being able to make a positive difference in people’s lives is the reason I ran for office.
IF I WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, I WOULD: I would be a teacher. I think I would be happy teaching any grade but would want to focus on civics or history. I have always enjoyed learning, so it would be a good fit.
A FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT: Invest in Missouri is a legislative package I developed and worked to pass during the 2009 legislative session. It reinvests $1 billion in our state and passed without any opposition. The package will return an additional $10 to $15 million per year on taxpayer investments I manage, and it also expands the Missouri Linked Deposit Program, a low-interest loan program I administer. I have been spending a lot of time traveling the state to show how the Missouri Linked Deposit Program can create and retain jobs in Missouri.
WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PROFESSION: You must enjoy talking with and getting to know people. At the end of the day, you have to be a curious person who wants to understand other people’s interest and dreams. You have to genuinely want to help people and try to make their lives better.
WHAT I DO FOR FUN: Well, Janice and I have two girls, so we like to spend time at their swim meets and soccer games. As a family, we spend lots of time on the MKT Trail and are excited a new bike trail will be built near us soon. Janice and I also like to go to a movie or out to eat or have friends over.
FAMILY: Wife, Janice; oldest daughter, Selma; youngest daughter, Ellie.
FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA: Well, we have only been in Columbia for four months, so every new place is our favorite place, but we spend a little more time at Stephens Lake and downtown.
ACCOMPLISHMENT I’M MOST PROUD OF: Being a good parent. It is a tremendous responsibility, and a great day as a parent is a great day.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT: My favorite artist is Bob Dylan. I am also the first person in my family to attend college. I won my first election to the House of Representatives by 67 votes out of more than 13,000 cast.