JEFFERSON CITY — Senator Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, today (7-18) announced his sponsorship of Crista Hogan, Executive Director of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association, to a position on the Public Defender Commission. The governor has appointed her for a term ending July 16, 2020, subject to confirmation by the Missouri Senate. 

“During my time in the General Assembly, I have had the good fortune of working with Crista on a variety of issues relating to the courts in Greene County, and I’ve valued her counsel as Senate Judiciary chair,” stated Sen. Dixon. “Springfield has benefited from her professional and personal contributions, volunteer experience and commitment to public service in many forms. I know she will bring a fresh perspective and practical knowledge in her new role.  I look forward to serving as her Senate sponsor when the Legislature convenes in January. I’m very pleased to see several positions on such an important commission filled. Thousands of Missourians of the same high caliber as Crista are ready and willing to serve in vacant or expired positions on Missouri’s boards and commissions.”       

Hogan has served as executive director of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association since 2001. In 2013, she was appointed to the American Bar Association’s Standing Committee on Judicial Independence. In her role as SMBA executive director, she led the development and execution of a Volunteer Public Defender Program, which sought to aid the local Missouri Public Defender System (MSPD) office in Springfield by recruiting and training volunteer attorneys to accept appointments. In 2012, the Missouri Bar recognized Hogan with the Pro Bono Publico Award, which acknowledges outstanding pro bono activities. 

The Public Defender Commission is the governing body for the MSPD, the state agency responsible for providing legal representation to all indigent citizens accused of or convicted of crimes in Missouri. Gubernatorial appointments made by the governor during the legislative interim must be confirmed by the Senate at the following legislative session.