JEFFERSON CITY — The final piece of a political game of dominoes fell into place Tuesday with the swearing in of Missouri’s new treasurer.
In a ceremony before a packed crowd in the Missouri House chambers, Republican Vivek Malek took the oath of office to become the state’s 48th treasurer, filling a vacancy left by Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick’s move to the state auditor post.
Malek, 45, vowed to serve as a fiscal conservative who will protect Missouri’s investments.
“I owe so much to America and Missouri and I want to give back,†Malek said.
Malek is a political newcomer picked by Republican Gov. Mike Parson to fill out the final two years of Fitzpatrick’s term.
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He is the first person of color to serve in statewide office. The historic moment was recognized by the attendance of the consul general of India’s Chicago office.
The master of ceremonies, former Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder, told the audience that the elevation of Malek is reflective of Missouri’s “growing and thriving Indian community.â€
The Wildwood attorney is originally from the city of Rohtak, India, and studied at Southeast Missouri State University, where he received a master’s degree in business administration. He later served on the SEMO board of governors.
Malek also is an attorney. He launched his career in Missouri in 2006 and opened a law firm specializing in immigration law in 2011.
“I stand before you a proud American, a proud Missourian, by choice,†he said, recognizing the presence of his wife, Riju, and their three young children, at the event.
Parson praised Malek as a man of faith who will work hard for the people. The governor said he was inundated with messages from people urging him to choose Malek after Fitzpatrick won the November election.
“It really is a beautiful American story. It’s an example to our children,†Parson said.
Malek credited Fitzpatrick with helping him get up to speed on the operations of the office.
Along with managing Missouri’s $20 billion in annual state revenues, the treasurer directs its banking services, oversees the state’s $6.5 billion investment portfolio and sits on a number of financially focused state boards and commissions.
“He does have the characteristics required to be a good state treasurer. It really is an important job,†Fitzpatrick said.
Malek’s swearing in marks the that Parson has filled with an appointment since he became governor in 2018, also not by election.
“I hope Vivek is the final one,†Parson said.
Malek plans to run for a full, four-year term in 2024.