La Strada Appointed Director of Election Integrity

Missouri Secretary of State-elect Denny Hoskins has announced the appointment of Nick La Strada as the new Director of Election Integrity.

La Strada, former Pettis County Clerk/Election Authority, brings a wealth of experience in overseeing local, state and international elections to this critical new role.

Chrissy Peters, who has served as Missouri’s Elections Director, will continue in her position, playing a key role in maintaining the integrity of the state’s elections. With over 30 years of combined election experience, La Strada and Peters will work together to ensure that Missouri's elections remain fair, transparent, and secure.

“Nick La Strada’s extensive experience in election administration makes him the ideal choice for this important position,” said Secretary-elect Hoskins. “With his leadership and Chrissy Peters’ steadfast dedication to fair elections, we are poised to strengthen Missouri’s election processes further. The creation of the Election Integrity office reflects my commitment to fulfilling the promises I made to Missouri voters.”

The Missouri Secretary of State’s Office has also introduced new legislation aimed at establishing the Office of Election Integrity, reinforcing the state’s commitment to election transparency, security, and public trust.

“We are committed to ensuring that Missourians can trust the integrity of their elections,” Hoskins added. “This new office is just one step toward making Missouri’s election system the most secure and transparent in the nation.”

Together, La Strada and Peters will collaborate to ensure that Missouri’s elections remain among the most secure in the country, Hoskins said.

In a statement posted to Facebook just before 7 p.m. Tuesday, La Strada had the following to say:

It is with great humility and gratitude that I announce my transition from serving as Pettis County Clerk and Election Authority to taking on a new role as the Director of Election Integrity for the State of Missouri. After more than 14 years of dedicated service to Pettis County, my last day as Clerk will be Friday, January 10, 2025.
This opportunity, extended by Missouri Secretary of State-elect Denny Hoskins, is an incredible honor one that I have deeply prayed about and discussed with my family. While this move was never part of my original plans, I am confident that it is the right next step in my journey to serve not only Pettis County but the entire State of Missouri.
To the citizens of Pettis County, I want to express my deepest thanks for your trust and support over the years. Serving as your Clerk has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Together, we have navigated the complexities of election processes, worked toward greater transparency and integrity, and upheld the values that make our community strong. While I will no longer hold the title of Pettis County Clerk Election Authority, I remain committed to our community and its continued success.
I also want to extend my gratitude to the incredible staff and election poll workers who have been by my side every step of the way. Your dedication, professionalism, and hard work have been the backbone of our election operations. Without you, we could not have achieved the level of success and trust that we have built in Pettis County over these years. From ensuring every vote counts with confidence in the electoral process, your contributions have made an indelible mark, and I am forever grateful.
Beyond my role as County Clerk and Election Authority, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the State Fair Community College Board of Trustees, which allowed me to further contribute to the growth and advancement of our community.
Additionally, I’ve been appointed by the U.S. Department of State to represent and serve our country as a Short Term Election Observer for the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the principal institution of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) dealing with the “human dimension” of security. Through this role, I’ve completed 12 missions internationally and in states across the U.S., gaining invaluable insights into election processes and best practices for maintaining transparency, security, and trust! These experiences, along with earning my Master’s Certificate in Election Administration, have equipped me with a global and comprehensive understanding of election integrity.
This transition is truly a testament to God’s guidance, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Missouri in a broader role. I pledge to bring my experience, passion, and dedication to Secretary Hoskins’ team as we work to strengthen the integrity and transparency of our election processes. Together, we will ensure that Missouri sets the gold standard for election security and public trust, becoming the state that all Boards of Elections and local election authorities look to as a model of excellence.
Thank you all for your continued support as I begin this exciting new chapter. It has been an honor to serve Pettis County, and I am ready to serve the great state of Missouri with the same commitment and dedication.
And with all that being said, it’s time to give the red carpet treatment to all Missourians out there.
Two things to always remember: never forget where you come from, and no one owes you anything!
Most of all, I want to thank Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, for taking me through all the processes I’ve gone through. I’ll leave everyone with these two verses:
Job 13:15:
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
Job 38:1-4:
Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?
BRACE yourself like a MAN; I will question you, and you SHALL answer me!”
This transition is truly a testament to God’s guidance, and I am humbled by the opportunity to serve Missouri in a broader role. I pledge to bring my experience, passion, and dedication to Secretary Denny Hoskins’ team as we work to strengthen the integrity and transparency of our election processes. Together, we will ensure that Missouri sets the gold standard for election security and public trust, becoming the state that all Boards of Elections and local election authorities look to as a model of excellence throughout the United States!
Thank you all for your continued support as I begin this exciting new chapter. It has been an honor to serve Pettis County, and I am ready to serve the great state of Missouri with the same commitment and dedication.
Honorable Missouri Secretary of State-Elect-Denny Hoskins
Thank you for placing your trust in me. I want you to know that my word is my bond, and I will dedicate myself fully to ensuring that every campaign promise you made is fulfilled to the best of my ability.