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Zellers named acting director of DOR

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – After the resignation of Department of Revenue Director Joel Walters, DOR Chief Operating Office Ken Zellers was named by Gov. Mike Parson as acting director.

Walters submitted his resignation on Thursday and his last day at the department will be Friday, March 22, 2019. He was appointed to the post in April 2017 by then-Gov. Eric Greitens after working in finance and consulting for more than three decades.

“I appreciate Joel Walters’ willingness to devote two years of service to the State of Missouri,” said Parson. “His leadership and transformative vision helped to turn around the Department of Revenue, leading to increased customer service, identifying efficiencies that led to significant budget savings, and implementing a number of conservative reforms that helped improve and streamline services for Missouri taxpayers.”

Zellers left Anheuser-Busch almost two years ago to accept the post at the department. As COO, he oversees operations and procedures and serves on the Governor’s extended cabinet. He came on board in August 2017.

At Anheuser-Busch InBev, he last worked as Global Director of Operations Brewing and Quality. Zellers worked for InBev for just over 9 years, working his way up from human resources and quality control.

Zellers received his BS in Business from Missouri Baptist University.

“I have full confidence that the Department of Revenue will continue providing excellent service to the people of Missouri,” said Parson. “Our administration will build off the positive reforms made within the department and ensure Missourians continue to benefit from historical tax cuts made at the federal and state level.”

The Department of Revenue, and in particular Walters, has received the brunt of frustration from lawmakers concerned about lagging revenues. The House Special Committee on Government Oversight has called Walters to testify four times, grilling him on a the change in the withholding tables.

Alisha Shurr contributed to this report.