Democrat Nicole Galloway sworn in as new Missouri auditor

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's new Auditor Nicole Galloway said during her swearing-in ceremony Monday protecting personal data will be one of her top priorities in her work as the state's top government watchdog.

Lawmakers have questioned the state's stewardship over personal data -- most recently when the State Highway Patrol in 2013 testified it had shared a list of concealed weapons permit holders with federal investigators.

Galloway said she shares concerns about protecting data at a time when she can "access my tax records, my children's medical histories, book a room at a state park with a credit card and apply for health insurance" while on a road trip.

Galloway said new measures from her office to protect such information will mean reviewing cybersecurity in state and local government audits.

"We must ensure criminals near and far do not access our personal data," Galloway said in prepared remarks to dozens of supporters who gathered outside the auditor's office in the hallways of the Capitol. "Government must be held accountable for holding private data safe and secure."

Galloway, who served as the Boone County treasurer, was appointed by fellow Democrat Gov. Jay Nixon to replace former Republican Auditor Tom Schweich. Schweich fatally shot himself Feb. 26.

Galloway will serve the remainder of Schweich's four-year term, which began in January.

State law requires the governor to find a replacement immediately when vacancies occur in the auditor's office. Nixon originally named his longtime aide, John Watson, to serve as auditor while he searched for a permanent replacement.

Galloway confirmed Monday former deputy auditor Harry Otto and chief of staff Trish Vincent -- who served under Galloway's Republican predecessor -- have resigned. She declined to comment on whether there will be other staffing changes but said she plans to announce a new deputy auditor and chief of staff "soon."

Nixon first appointed Galloway as Boone County treasurer in 2011 after the death of Treasurer Jan Fugit. She was elected to a four-year term the following year.

She is a certified public accountant who served as a corporate auditor for Shelter Insurance Cos. in Columbia and Brown Smith Wallace LLC in Creve Coeur.

Galloway's husband Jon is the former spokesman for Democratic Treasurer Clint Zweifel, who along with other Democratic state leaders sat close to Galloway and her husband as she was sworn in by Missouri Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Russell.