Mayer: Two Appointments to State Boards and Commissions

JEFFERSON CITY – Missouri Senate Leader Robert N. Mayer, R-Dexter, announced that two gubernatorial appointments he sponsored have been confirmed by the full Senate recently (3/10). Michael Zito will serve as a member of the Truman State University Board of Governors and Robert Culler will serve as a member of the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

The Truman State University Board of Governors is the highest policy making body of the University. The board works to support the mission of Truman State University, which is to offer an exemplary undergraduate education to well-prepared students, grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, in the context of a public institution of higher education. Zito will serve as one of the non-voting, out-of-state members of the board. A graduate of Truman State University, he currently manages the Washington D.C. office of the law firm, Lathrop and Gage. Since 1991, he has served in the United States Army Reserves and currently holds the rank of Major in the Judge Advocate General Corps.

“As a successful graduate of Truman State University, I commend Mr. Vito for giving back to his alma mater in this way,” said Sen. Mayer. “His experience supervising legal activities both on a federal and state level will serve the board well.”

The Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority is an 8-member panel that reviews and approves loan applications for the authority’s programs, and sets policy and direction related to operation of the authority. Culler is a lifelong resident of Pemiscot County and is the executive vice-president of First State Bank and Trust Company in Caruthersville. He is a vocal community activist, and is active in several national, state and local boards. He is a graduate of Lincoln University and a past curator of that university.

“From loans to help with marketing a small agribusiness to financing for value-added agriculture enterprises, this board plays an important role in supporting our state’s number one industry,” said Sen. Mayer. “Mr. Culler’s experience in banking in a rural community will certainly be a benefit to the work of the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.”

For full resolution photos shown below, please contact Senate Communications at (573) 751-3824.

Sen. Mayer with Michael Zito during his Gubernatorial Appointments Committee hearing to become a member of the Truman State University Board of Governors.

Sen. Mayer with Robert Culler during his Gubernatorial Appointments Committee hearing to become a member of the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.