Col. Paul Kirchhoff, retired, was named as the new executive director of the Missouri Veterans Commission on Thursday.

He will oversee the service of more than 458,000 veterans and 1,700 employees in the state’s seven veterans homes, along with the state’s five veterans cemeteries and veterans services program.

He was unanimously selected to serve as executive director, commission Chairman Tim Noonan said in a news release.

“Paul is a proven leader, with a heart for people, including veterans and all those who work serving veterans at MVC,” he said.

Kirchhoff is a highly experienced leader with an extensive background in resource management with an emphasis in public service, according to the release.

He served 33 years of combined enlisted and commissioned military service, serving both on active duty with the U.S. Army and with the Missouri Army National Guard. He participated in combat tours of Afghanistan and Iraq. He earned masters degrees in management from Webster University and strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.

He is recipient of the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and Missouri Conspicuous Service Medal.

He worked as special assistant to the executive director of the Missouri Veterans Commission prior to his selection. He formerly served as director of the Missouri Emergency Response Commission and held many leadership positions as a full-time member of the Missouri National Guard.

He lives in Jefferson City.