An Indian in The Show-Me State: Republican Vivek Malek Makes History Taking Oath as Missouri’s State Treasurer
- He is the first person of color and the first Indian American to hold statewide office.
Republican attorney Vivek Malek made history by taking oath as Missouri’s State Treasurer, becoming the first person of color and first Indian American to hold statewide office. The 45-year-old attorney from the St. Louis suburb of Wildwood took the oath of office on Jan. 17, surrounded by family and at least 200 supporters, as reported by Fox News. Last month, Governor Mike Parson appointed Malek to succeed Republican Scott Fitzpatrick, who was elected state auditor in November, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
He “pledged to safeguard taxpayer dollars, promote Missouri’s state-run savings programs and promote the promise of America in his new role,” the Fox report quoted him as saying. “As your state treasurer, I’ll stand up for Missourians to ensure you’re able to realize your God-given potential.”
Malek established his legal practice, Law Offices of Vivek Malek, in Wildwood, in 2011. He has been practicing law since 2000 and has practiced law in the State of Missouri since 2006. He works extensively on legal immigration litigation and business immigration consulting. He is highly regarded in legal and social matters by Missouri’s diverse communities, including Bosnian, Hispanic, Asian, and African American Missourians.
Before being sworn in as state treasurer, Malek resigned from the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors, a position Parson appointed him to in 2020.
He was recognized by the Missouri Senate (2015) and Missouri House (2007) for his service and contributions to Missouri communities. He was awarded the Minority Business Leader Award by the St. Louis Business Journal in 2010, earned the Up and Coming Lawyers Award by Missouri Lawyers Media in 2010, and was recognized as Top 30 Under 30 by Business Today magazine in 2007, among other awards and recognitions.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctorate from Mahrishi Dayanand University in Rohtak. Additionally, he holds a Master of Business Administration from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and a Master of Laws from the University of Illinois College of Law in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Riju, for 18 years. They have three young children together and reside in Wildwood.