JEFFERSON CITY — The Senate confirmed Rodney Southard on Thursday as the county eastern district commissioner to replace Doug Drewel, who retired in January. He will be sworn in once County Clerk Rhonda Rodgers receives the official paperwork.

Gov. Mike Kehoe appointed Southard on March 27, but Missouri revised state statute 49.060 requires that any vacancy the governor fills with more than one year remaining must be confirmed by the Senate.

Southard’s main priorities are financial stability and responsiveness to county residents and employees. Because he has a degree in civil engineering and has dealt with the public, personnel and budgets as a former member on the St. James R-1 Board of Education, he believes that he has the skillset necessary to perform the job.

“We need to be responsive to the county residents because we’re spending and using their tax dollars, and we need to do it wisely,” he said.

As for conflicts in the county regarding Sheriff Mark Morgan, Southard believes that it is important to treat others the way that he wants to be treated because they are just as important as he is.

“I think it’s just important to treat people fairly and honestly and be upfront with them, and that’s what I’m doing when I get sworn in,” Southard said.

Southard, a fifth-generation Missouri farmer, has a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Missouri S&T. He is currently the chairman of Missouri University extension in Maries County, and he is the former vice chair of the Maries Soil and Water.

When Drewel retired, multiple friends contacted Southard, asking if he would be interested in filling the role. After looking into it, he reached out to Rep. Bennie Cook and the commissioners. He then applied through the governor’s office.

The confirmation process has two steps. The appointees attend a gubernatorial appointments committee hearing with their sponsoring senator, and after passing the hearing, the entire Senate floor gives its advice and consent.

During Southard’s hearing on April 22, he and Sen. Justin Brown sat before the committee, but no one asked Southard questions. The committee passed all appointees 10-0.

Brown, who sponsored Southard, represents the 16th district, which includes Vienna. Brown has known Southard for a long time and had no concerns or reservations about supporting him for the position.

“He is probably overqualified for this position,” Brown said. “I think he will do an excellent job.”