State Tax Commissioners

The State Tax Commission is composed of three members chosen from the two major political parties. They are appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Commissioners hold staggered terms of six years.

The current members are:

Gary Romine, Chairman 

Republican. Term expires January 23, 2026. First appointed to the State Tax Commission on January 30, 2020.

Prior to the appointment, the Commissioner represented Missouri’s 3rd State Senate District since 2012. He has served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Vice Chairman of the Joint Committee on Education, and Vice Chairman of the Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure, and Public Safety.

In addition to his legislative duties, Commissioner Romine previously served as President and CEO of Show-Me-Rent-To-Own, a business he founded more than 30 years ago. What began as a single store in Leadington, Missouri, has grown to include nine stores throughout the state. Prior to starting his own business, he taught high school in the Branson and Farmington school districts. 

Commissioner Romine has served as Chairman of the Board for the Ste. Genevieve-based MRV Banks from 2007 – 2013 and was previously the President of the Mineral Area College Board of Trustees, of which he had been a member for several years. He has also been a member of the Association of Progressive Rental Organizations for 30 years, previously serving as President and Public Relations Chairman. During this time, he participated in Federal Trade Commission and congressional hearings, an experience that gave him unique insight into navigating the federal legislative process. Additionally, he has served as a legislative liaison for the Missouri Rental Dealers Association and as a member of the Government Relations Committee for the Missouri Bankers Association.

Commissioner Romine holds an associate degree from Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.

Victor Callahan, Commissioner

Democrat. Term expires January 23, 2024. First appointed to the State Tax Commission on December 31, 2012.

Prior to the appointment, the Commissioner represented Missouri’s 11th State Senate district since 2003 and served as minority floor leader since 2008. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, Callahan served as a member of the Independence City Council and as chairman of the Jackson County Legislature. In the State Senate, Callahan served on several committees related to fiscal policy and economic growth, including: the Jobs, Economic Development and Local Government Committee, the Small Business, Insurance and Industry Committee, the Joint Committee on Government Accountability, and as chairman of the Progress and Development Committee.

Debbi McGinnis, Commissioner

Republican.  Term expires January 23, 2028.  First appointed to the State Tax Commission on July 5, 2022.

Prior to the appointment, the Commissioner served as Collector of Revenue for Polk County since 1995.  She has served as President of the Missouri Association of Counties, the Missouri County Collectors Association, the National Association of County Collectors, Treasurers and Finance Officers, and as a board member of the National Association of Counties, also acting as Audit Chairman.

As an 8th-generation Polk Countian, she continues the tradition in the family beef cattle business. After college graduation, she was an Operations Officer in the banking industry and audited banks and universities involved in the Missouri Student Loan Program for the State of Missouri.

Commissioner McGinnis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from Missouri State University graduating Magna Cum Laude as well as a Finance Master in Public Administration from The University of Missouri, St. Louis.

Ms. McGinnis’s service combined with her experience as a county official will make her a valuable asset to the State Tax Commission.