State Rep. Don Phillips, R-Kimberling City, has a new job.
Gov. Mike Parson on Wednesday named Phillips - a 28-year Highway Patrol veteran - to fill a vacant seat on the seven-member state Board of Probation and Parole.
He can begin serving immediately but will have to be confirmed by the state Senate in January, said Kelli Jones, Parson's spokeswoman.
Phillips was term-limited and couldn't run again for his House seat.
During his final year in the Legislature, he served as vice-chair of the House Special Investigative Committee on Oversight, which was charged in January with investigating the legal situation involving then-Gov. Eric Greitens. State Rep. Jay Barnes, R-Jefferson City, chaired the committee.
In May, at the start of an up-to 30-day special session that lawmakers called themselves into, the committee was asked to decide if impeachment charges should be issued against the governor - but the committee never recommended any action, after Greitens on May 29 announced his resignation, as of 5 p.m. June 1.
Parson, then lieutenant governor, was sworn in as governor shortly after Greitens left office.
Phillips' district serves Stone County and parts of Christian and Taney counties in Southwest Missouri.
He first was elected to the House in November 2010.
"Having chaired the committee on crime prevention and public safety, and given his background in law enforcement, Don will bring the experience and knowledge to effectively serve on this board," Parson said in his news release announcing Phillips' appointment. "His career has been defined by his public service. Don being in this position will be beneficial to strengthening our criminal justice system and improving the lives of all Missourians."
Phillips' appointment brings the board to six members, with one vacancy still to be filled, Jones said.
Other members include Kenny Jones, the chairman, who is a former state representative and, before that, a long-time Moniteau County sheriff; Martin Rucker, the former chairman; Jennifer Zamkus; Gary Dusenberg; and Paul Fitzwater, another former lawmaker.
Phillips was a sergeant when he retired from the Highway Patrol.
Being a member of the Probation and Parole Board is a full-time job that earns $86,112 a year.
His salary as a state lawmaker - considered a part-time position - was $35,915 a year.
Born in St. Louis, Phillips and his wife now live in Kimberling City.