Missouri Commissioner of Administration Kelvin Simmons to Join SNR Denton in Kansas City and St. Louis

KANSAS CITY, Mo. and ST. LOUIS, Jan. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SNR Denton announced today that Kelvin Simmons will join the firm as a principal in the Public Policy and Regulation practice and the global Government sector. Simmons will join SNR Denton following the conclusion of his distinguished service as Commissioner of Administration and Senior Cabinet Director for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.

"Kelvin's deep experience in state and local government will be a tremendous asset for SNR Denton and our clients," said Mike McNamara, a Kansas City native, US managing partner and head of SNR Denton's Government sector team. "His reputation and capabilities are unique within the government relations marketplace. We are exceptionally pleased that Kelvin will continue the growth of our leading offices in Kansas City and St. Louis, and will bring additional depth to our existing policy team focused in Jefferson City, as part of our recognized national Public Policy and Regulation practice."

Simmons has served four of the past five governors in Missouri and was appointed to several cabinet posts, including Director of Economic Development, Chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission and State Director for the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity.

At SNR Denton, he will advise local, state and national clients on government affairs, public policy, energy regulation, government contracting and procurement matters.

Simmons' considerable record of accomplishment in the public sector includes service on more than 20 state boards, commissions and taskforces throughout his career and unanimous confirmation by the MissouriSenate on three separate occasions. Simmons has also served with three of the past four mayors of Kansas City and was twice elected to the City Council in Kansas City, MO. Simmons was a state political director for a successful national presidential re-election campaign and also a senior staff member to a successful congressional campaign.

"Working for the state of Missouri in the many roles I have been honored to hold has been a career highlight. In making this transition, I look forward to being a part of a respected team where I can bring my years of public sector expertise to finding creative solutions for SNR Denton clients to enhance their goals and objectives," said Simmons. "It will be a privilege to work with a dedicated and success-oriented group of colleagues who not only have local, state and national perspectives on public policy and regulation, but also have an exciting global perspective as well."

"Kelvin's deep knowledge and long-standing relationships with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, the state of Missouri and related government agencies will provide invaluable insights for our clients," said John Snyder, managing partner of the firm's Kansas City office. "Kelvin brings a unique balance of political savvy and business sense that will strongly benefit our corporate and real estate clients and I look forward to the opportunity to tap into Kelvin's expertise."

"Over the years, Kelvin has developed a powerful network of peers in state leadership roles across the country. Our clients will certainly benefit from his guidance, whether in Missouri or across the United States, as Kelvin is also well positioned to offer critical perspective to our clients on the operations of state government and how they impact the private sector," commented Jennifer Marler, managing partner of SNR Denton's St. Louis office.

Simmons earned two B.S. degrees from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and an Executive M.B.A. from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He complements a group of more than 80 new partners, counsel, principals and senior advisors who have joined SNR Denton worldwide since the combination that created the firm.

About SNR Denton
SNR Denton is a client-focused international legal practice delivering quality and value. We serve clients in key business and financial centers from more than 60 locations in 43 countries, through offices, associate firms and special alliances across the US, the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the CIS, Asia Pacific and Africa, making us a top 25 legal services provider by lawyers and professionals worldwide. Joining the complementary top tier practices of its founding firms—Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP and Denton Wilde Sapte LLP—SNR Denton offers business, government and institutional clients premier service and a disciplined focus to meet evolving needs in eight key industry sectors: Energy, Transport and Infrastructure; Financial Institutions and Funds; Government; Health and Life Sciences; Insurance; Manufacturing; Real Estate, Retail and Hotels; and Technology, Media and Telecommunications. Please see snrdenton.com for more information and Legal Notices.

Media Contacts:
Elyse Blazey +1 212 398 7643, elyse.blazey@snrdenton.com
Lee Ann Farwell +1 212 768 5370, leeann.farwell@snrdenton.com

SOURCE SNR Denton