A Jefferson City legislative internship left one Missouri State student at a crossroads: “law school or public service.” That’s how Adam Crumbliss (B.S. in public administration, 1999) describes an experience that altered his career path. As the elected Chief Clerk and Administrator for the Missouri House of Representatives, Crumbliss serves as the organization’s chief operating officer and senior parliamentary advisor.
“That internship placed me squarely at the intersection of politics, law, and public administration,” said Crumbliss. “I never imagined seventeen years later I would be married with two daughters still living in mid-Missouri. My experiences in political science at Missouri State prepared me well for this professional opportunity.”
As Chief Clerk, Adam has a front row seat to history in the making; his is one of the most unique positions within state government, especially since voters enacted legislative term limits. In his tenth year as Chief Clerk, Crumbliss has served under six different Speakers of the House but has nearly twice as much legislative experience than any legislator that elects him.
“Legislators are limited to eight years in their lifetime,” Crumbliss indicates “and most have just learned how the process really works right before they term out. Voters ended decades-long power grabs by corrupt legislators, but the way we went about term limits also pushed many smart and honest citizen legislators out the door as well.”
Throughout Crumbliss’ service to the legislature, he held many posts before being elected. “Early on I was part of efforts to stop tax increases, re-write the education foundation formula, limit growth in welfare programs, and development of the Access Missouri needs-based scholarship program,” said Crumbliss.
As Clerk, I focus less on policy decisions and more on ensuring the lawmaking process complies with the constitution and state laws,” he continued. But running a taxpayer-funded organization still places his him in the policy arena when problems arise within the legislature.
After discovery that two lawmakers had inappropriate actions toward interns, Adam played a central role in developing new policies on sexual harassment, internships, and fraternization. “Every intern should have the same extraordinary experience I did, and these policies will enhance the ability of every intern to be respected and learn in an environment without harassment by those in positions of authority,” indicated Crumbliss.
Crumbliss, who now resides with his family in Columbia, Missouri, was selected as the Missouri State University 2009 Outstanding Young Alumni. Outstanding in 2009; outstanding in 2016.
You can see the award ceremony and hear Adam’s remarks at the 25:12 mark here – Homecoming Video.