Randy Asbury, a Republican from Higbee, was elected to the Missouri Legislature as 22nd District State Representative on November 3, 2010, and was sworn in on January 5, 2011. He currently serves on the following House committees: vice-chair of Emerging Issues in Animal Agriculture; Budget; Appropriations – Agriculture and Natural Resources; and, Local Government.
Proven Leadership, Integrity & Experience
Prior to his election to the State Legislature, Asbury was Randolph County Western District Associate Commissioner; a position he was appointed to in January, 2007 by Governor Matt Blunt to fill an unexpired term on the commission.
In his role as county commissioner, Asbury helped to restore fiscal credibility to and facilitated improved relationships between county government and taxpayers. He performed fiscal oversight of multiple departments and a $6+ million budget and played an instrumental role in balancing budgets in four budget cycles. Asbury played a key leadership role in the general revenue fund growing from a $413,000 deficit in 2007 to a $545,000 surplus in 2010.
Asbury also improved and adapted the county’s complex budgetary process and helped design an award winning road maintenance data base. Under his leadership, road and bridge standards were updated to 21st Century engineering specifications and comprehensive road and bridge policies were adopted.
In addition to his responsibility as a state representative, Asbury is executive director of the Coalition to Protect the Missouri River (CPR). He provides leadership and advocates for the economic interests of agricultural, navigational, and utility-related entities while seeking balance with environmental and ecosystem needs. His responsibilities include maintaining bi-partisan working relationships with Congressional members, collaborating with state agencies, and developing and coordinating stakeholder efforts to influence Missouri River policy decisions.
During his time with CPR, Asbury has been recognized in the MarineNews’ ‘08 Yearbook & Sixth Annual CEO Six-Pack section. He was among six national industry leaders invited to participate in an interview for the industry magazine. In addition, Asbury served as interim chair and currently serves as vice-chair of the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. He received the coveted Northwestern Division Commander’s Coin recognizing his collaborative leadership in the eight-state Missouri River Basin. He has also been recognized by Missouri Farm Bureau Federation for outstanding leadership as CPR’s executive director.
Previously, as deputy director for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, he was administrative coordinator of a 350 employee agency with an $18 million budget. As the department’s governmental and legislative liaison, he regularly researched and analyzed major agricultural policy issues. Asbury has also co-owned and managed a farm supply service and owned and operated a large diversified crop and livestock operation in Howard and Randolph County.
Asbury earned a B.S. in agriculture from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He and Connie, his wife of 27 years and a registered nurse, are the parents of four children – Tristan, Mandi, Kiersten and Eli.
A Man of Faith and Family
Randy’s family comes second only to his faith in Christ. In all that he does, he attempts to model character and virtue that sets a positive example for his wife, children, and others. It is Randy’s desire that the 22nd District be established as a place where families are strong and children are excited to return to raise their families. Not only does he believe this is possible, he believes that with strong leadership, it should be expected.
Public and Community Service
Public and community service is an important part of Randy’s life. His service-related activities have provided him with a wealth of contacts and resources that help him with his duties as an elected official. He attends Salisbury’s First Baptist Church and acted as lay pastor at Yates Church in 2008-09. Randy served as a member of the MoDOT Transportation Advisory Committee and is past chair of the Randolph County Board of Equalization. As a board member for Howard Electric Cooperative, he represents the cooperative members as their voice in Randolph and Chariton counties.