JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon says he'll appoint former state Sen. Maida Coleman to a panel of utility regulators.
Nixon on Thursday announced he wants the St. Louis Democrat to serve on the Public Service Commission starting Aug. 10.
The panel oversees public utilities such as water and electricity.
Coleman's appointment must be confirmed by the Senate. She's set to replace current commission chairman Robert Kenney, who has served on the panel since July 2009. His term is up in August.
Coleman currently is director of the state Office of Community Engagement. Nixon created the office in September 2014 in the wake of protests after a white policeman shoot a black 18-year-old in Ferguson.
Deputy Director and former St. Louis City Municipal Judge Marvin Teer will replace Coleman.