Missouri Governor Mike Parson has appointed Sam Gladney as an interim commissioner to the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners. Gladney is a partner at the Gladney Law Group, LLC, where he primarily represents labor unions and multiemployer pension and welfare funds, joint labor-management committees, and assists clients with regulatory compliance matters. The Missouri Senate will vote to confirm his appointment when they are back in session.
”I am glad I can continue to assist St. Louis area leaders in moving public policy forward through the appointment of Sam Gladney as the newest commissioner from Missouri to serve on the board,” said Missouri Governor Mike Parson.
St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page said, “We are pleased that Sam Gladney is joining the Board of Commissioners. It’s important for the future of our region that we work closely with Bi-State Development, which is a tremendous regional asset. I would also like to thank Constance Gully for nine and half years of service on the board and for her passionate commitment to improving the St. Louis region.”
“I am honored to be appointed to the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners. Bi-State Development is probably best known for providing reliable public transit services. Metro Transit is the lifeline for countless working people in our region to access everything from education, work, doctor’s appointments and entertainment. I’m excited to join my fellow Commissioners in service to our region,” said Gladney.
“Sam will be a great addition to the Board of Commissioners. New commissioners always bring a fresh perspective to what we do, and we look forward to Sam’s participation with our team and with his fellow commissioners,” said Taulby Roach, Bi-State Development President and Chief Executive Officer.
Gladney completed his undergraduate studies at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He subsequently served in the United States Army; in this capacity, he deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During those deployments, he managed micro grants to support Iraqi businesses southeast of Baghdad and subsequently led a platoon in Mosul. At the conclusion of his second deployment, Gladney was awarded the Bronze Star.
He is a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. He is a member of the AFL-CIO Lawyers Coordinating Committee and is a past president of West Point Society of St. Louis. Gladney is a 2020 graduate of Leadership St. Louis and currently serves of the Board of Directors at Places For People.
Gladney’s appointment to the Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners is effective through November 2023. He replaces Constance Gully whose term expired. She has represented St. Louis County on the board since June 2011. During her tenure, she served as the Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners, and was active on several board committees which included serving as Chair of the Audit, Finance & Administration Committee.
Current Board of Commissioners Chair Rose Windmiller said, “In her tenure on the Bi-State Development Board, Constance has always supported the needs of the transit community and other customers served by Bi-State’s operations. She is a thoughtful, capable and experienced professional and led the charge on many difficult issues. I am grateful for her service.”
Windmiller added, “Sam Gladney is a well-respected attorney and community leader, and I look forward to welcoming him to the Board.”
“Constance has been a beacon of leadership during her tenure on our Board. She has been supportive of our team and has been instrumental in promoting the work of Bi-State Development. She has pushed us to be better by engaging the needs of our community, and realizing the aspiration of a stronger St. Louis,” said Roach.
“It has been my honor and a privilege to serve on the Board of Commissioners. The success and sustainability of Bi-State Development is essential to the economic development and overall strength of the St. Louis region. I am confident that the current leadership team and Commissioners are well equipped to guide the organization. My term having long been expired, I look forward to the additional time and attention I will have to give to efforts to support young families, ensuring children are healthy, safe and ready to learn,” Constance Gully said.
The Bi-State Development 10-member Board of Commissioners provides overall leadership and policy direction for the organization, and is comprised of five members from Illinois and five from Missouri. In Missouri, the governor selects members of the board, and in Illinois, county board chairmen for both St. Clair and Madison Counties appoint their representatives.