Bi-State Development welcomes Simmons to board of commissioners

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Bi-State Development (BSD) announced the appointment of Herbert Simmons to its Board of Commissioners on Thursday.

Simmons, who serves as director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), is replacing Jeffrey K. Watson, whose board term has expired.

Watson was appointed to the BSD Board of Commissioners in June 2003 by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

“For nearly 16 years, Commissioner Watson’s leadership has helped this organization both overcome challenges and take advantage of new opportunities, including the expansion of MetroLink and growth of the region’s public transit system,” Taulby Roach, president and CEO of Bi-State Development, said.

During Watson’s tenure, he held positions as the chairman and treasurer of the Board of Commissioners. He also served on multiple committees including Audit, Finance and Administration; Operations; Strategic Planning and Economic Development; Planning and Cross Country MetroLink Committee, in which he was the executive vice chair.

“On behalf of everyone at Bi-State Development, I would like to extend our gratitude to Commissioner Watson for his dedicated service to our organization and the entire bi-state region,” Roach said.

Simmons’ appointment to the BSD Board of Commissioners was recently approved by the St. Clair County Board.

“Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving this region and this community in various capacities,” Simmons said. “I’m honored to have this opportunity to serve as a board commissioner for Bi-State Development.”

Serving as director of St. Clair County EMA, Simmons responsibility includes emergency preparations for the county and the oversight of its response to natural disasters and other emergency incidents.

In addition to his current role, Simmons is also the executive director of the St. Clair County Emergency Telephone System Board and mayor of East Carondelet, Il., a position he has served in for the past 34 years.

Simmons is chairman and member to several boards and organizations including the Illinois Terrorism Task Force, St. Clair County Transit District and the East-West Gateway Council of Governments.

“I enjoy being involved in the community and I look forward to doing whatever I can to support the mission of this organization,” Simmons said.

Close