A longtime banking industry professional and ward committeeman for the 28th Ward in the city of St. Louis, Sen. Joe Keaveny was elected to represent the citizens of the 4th Senatorial District, which includes the St. Louis City, during a special election on November 3, 2009, to fill an unexpired term.

Senator Keaveny is one of six children born to the late John Joseph and Mary Justine Keaveny. He grew up in the city’s Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood and is a graduate of Christian Brothers College High School. He earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and holds a master’s degree in finance and a law degree — both from St. Louis University.

For the past 20 years, Sen. Keaveny has worked in the banking industry, managing portfolios for high-worth individuals and later managing U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) compliance issues for US Bank. For several years, he volunteered as a board member for the Skinker-DeBaliviere Housing Corporation — learning first-hand the challenges of rebuilding derelict properties, which led to a strong advocacy for state Historic Tax Credits. 

During a long tenure on the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, Sen. Keaveny spent countless hours working with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department on public safety issues — an experience that reinforced his belief that the City of St. Louis must regain local control of its police force.  Senator Keaveny’s dealings with the Metro system and daily use of MetroLink are part of his commitment to an expansion of public transportation in the St. Louis metropolitan area. He is also a strong supporter of public charter schools.

Senator Keaveny and wife Karen have four grown children: Shannon, Lauren, Joseph and Ellen.

Senator Keaveny will serve a term ending Jan. 5, 2011.