CHICAGO - Missouri budget director Linda Luebbering, who steered the state through recession while helping maintain its triple-A ratings, will retire August 6.
Gov. Jay Nixon announced Luebbering's retirement on June 24 and named Dan Haug, director of the Department of Mental Health's Administrative Services Division, to serve as interim director.
"A public servant who matches her unwavering integrity and intellect with patience and professionalism - Linda Luebbering has been an invaluable asset to this administration and to all the people of Missouri," Nixon said in a statement. "What sets Linda apart is her deep understanding of policy, and the very human impact budgets and policies have on the people and communities we serve."
Luebbering took the position in 2009 managing what is now a $26 billion annual budget. It marked a second stint for her in the role managing the state's spending. She previously served in the post from 2001 to 2005 under Democratic Gov. Bob Holden.
After Republican Matt Blunt took office, she took a post as the fiscal management director for the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare. She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Luebbering returned to Missouri at the request of Nixon, a Democrat.
Haug currently is responsible for planning, implementing and managing department-wide administrative functions, including budget and accounting. Haug previously worked as an economist, budget analyst and then director of the Senate Appropriations Committee staff. From 1995 to 2002, Haug was an economist and budget analyst at the Office of Administration's Division of Budget &Planning.
"Having spent 20 years in state budget analysis and management in both the executive and legislative branches, Dan brings a truly unique level of experience to this important office," Nixon said.
