Poplar Bluff businessman Eddy Justice is one of three new members recently appointed to the Missouri State Board of Education by Gov. Eric Greitens.
"I am thankful for and humbled by my recent appointment," Justice said. "It is a great responsibility and I am committed to doing the best job possible."
Justice said he applied for the position as a way to serve the people of Missouri and to represent his community with a focus on economic growth.
"I want to help Missouri continue to produce graduates that can hit the ground running with employment that will grow our economy and strengthen our families," he said.
The state board of education's major duties include, but are not limited to, appointing the commissioner of education and setting policies for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, defining academic performance standards and assessment requirements for public schools, and accrediting local school districts.
"Missouri's children deserve a quality education and it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to make that happen," he said.
Justice owns and is an agent of Eddy Justice State Farm in Poplar Bluff and earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from John Brown University.
He currently serves as treasurer for the House Republican Campaign Committee, chairman of the Butler County Republican Central Committee, and chairman of the 8th Congressional District Republican Committee.
Justice previously was appointed to the Missouri State Employees Voluntary Life Insurance Commission by Gov. Matt Blunt in 2008 and to the House Reapportionment Commission by Gov. Jay Nixon in 2010.
Greitens also appointed Melissa Gelner of Springfield and Delbert Scott of Kansas City.
"I look forward to working with the rest of the board, as well as the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to fulfill Missouri's obligation to its students," he said.
The first Missouri State Board of Education meeting since Justice's appointment will be held at 1 p.m. today in Osage Beach, Mo. Justice said his new assignment is a one day per month position and business at his State Farm agency will not be compromised.
Justice and his wife, Penny, attend Temple Baptist Church. They have four children and five grandchildren. He has owned Eddy Justice State Farm for more than 15 years.