Gov. Nixon Names Damon Porter as New Director of Division of Employment Security

Press Release

Gov. Jay Nixon today named Damon S. Porter, of Kansas City, as the new Director of the Division of Employment Security. He will replace Nia Ray, who was appointed by the Governor as the new Director of the Department of Revenue; her appointment was effective Dec. 1.

The Division of Employment Security, which is a part of the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, is responsible for the administration of the unemployment insurance benefit and tax program. The Division collects tax contributions from employers and pays unemployment benefits to individuals who are determined eligible under the law.

"Damon Porter's extensive experience in both the private and public sectors will be valuable to him in directing this state agency, and I am pleased to name him to this post," Gov. Nixon said.

Porter had been the director of the MoBroadbandNow initiative under the Office of Administration since November 2010. MoBroadbandNow was the successful project initiated by Gov. Nixon to expand high-speed Internet access throughout the state to benefit schools, businesses, residences, emergency response agencies and health care facilities. Prior to that, he held various positions within the private sector and within state government, including serving as chief of staff to the Missouri Speaker of the House. Porter earned his law degree from the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America.

The appointment will be subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate.

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