Missouri’s First: Governor Mike Parson Appoints Indian American Vivek Malek as State Treasurer
- The Republican attorney who specializes in immigration law becomes the first Indian American to hold statewide office.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has appointed Republican attorney Vivek Malek to be the next state treasurer, making him the first Indian American to hold statewide office. The will succeed Republican Scott Fitzpatrick, who was elected state auditor in November, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
Malek, 45, established his legal practice, Law Offices of Vivek Malek, 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.
Describing Malek’s story as “inspiring proof that the American Dream can and will live on for the next generation of Missourians,” Parsons highlighted his work to help “legal immigrants embrace our nation and achieve their American Dream too.” He said the new state treasurer will be “a principled leader who works hard every day to safeguard the people’s money and bring opportunity to Missouri families and their communities.”
Before being sworn in as state treasurer, Malek will resign from the Southeast Missouri State University Board of Governors, a position Parson appointed him to in 2020.
Malek 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.