Following a career in public service spanning more than 25 years – culminating in eight years as Missouri State Treasurer and four years as Governor Bob Holden now is a private sector leader in the fields of education and international economic development. He is the founder and leader of the Holden Public Policy Forum @ Webster University, a leading forum for distinguished speakers and the promotion of an ongoing public policy dialogue. In addition to the Forum, Governor Holden directs the Pizza & Politics program at Webster University, which gives students and members of the community the opportunity to meet and ask questions of local and national leaders. Governor Holden is also vice-chairman of the Midwest U.S.-China Association, where he works to promote improved economic cooperation between Midwestern states and China. In 2007, Governor Holden led the successful effort to persuade the Department of Education of the People’s Republic of China (Hanban) to establish a Confucius Institute at Webster University.

Throughout Governor Holden’s public career his primary domestic issue focus has been on children and education. As Treasurer he was responsible for creation of the MOST program, a college savings program recognized as one of the best of its kind in the United States. Governor Holden was the first Missouri Treasurer to earn more than $1 billion in annual interest on the state’s investment accounts.
As Governor of Missouri, Holden vigorously defended vital state services to the young, the elderly and the infirm. He turned back legislative efforts to eliminate health care services for more than 80,000 Missouri children, and secured increased funding for schools. An aggressive advocate for educational support from the Legislature, he created the state’s first Youth Cabinet to involve young people in state government and public service. He also enacted Missouri’s first comprehensive Women’s Health Initiative; and advanced Missouri from 41st to 5th in the nation with women in leadership positions.
As governor, Bob Holden repeatedly demonstrated his commitment and effectiveness as a leader for domestic and international economic development. He led successful trade missions to Japan, Italy, Mexico and China and established Missouri’s trade development office in Shanghai. He served as chairman of the Midwest Governors’ Association, chaired the Southern Governor’s Association TeleHealth Committee, and the National Governors’ Association.

Governor Holden is chairman of The Holden Group, LLC, where he advises public and private sector clients on business development and international trade strategies.