Senator Joe Keaveny was first elected to represent the citizens of the 4th Senatorial District, which includes the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County, during a special election on Nov. 3, 2009, to fill an unexpired term. Senator Keaveny completed the unexpired term on Jan. 5, 2011 and was re-elected to a full term, which will expire in 2014. In addition to his legislative duties, Sen. Keaveny practices in the trust and probate section of Weiss Attorneys at Law and continues to serve as committeeman for the 28th Ward in St. Louis, Mo.

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 graduated from 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, in addition to 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-income individuals and later managing compliance issues with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for U.S. 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.

Senator Keaveny’s legislative agenda includes local control of St. Louis police department, analyzing the cost of the death penalty, increasing seat belt usage, expanding access to early childhood education programs, and improving administrative procedures in child support.

Senator Keaveny continues to work with the Missouri Bar on legislation relating to trusts and retirement. He has also had legislation pass that improves judicial procedures in the 22nd Circuit Court. Senator Keaveny collaborated with the American Bar Association (ABA) to address criminal procedures in response to the ABA’s analysis of Missouri’s criminal justice system. In addition, he is currently working with the Saint Louis Zoo to improve the regulation and safety of exotic animals.

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