Jay Ashcroft was born in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he spent his youth and graduated from Jefferson City High School.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering management from Missouri University of Science and Technology (Rolla) and after graduating, moved to West Plains, Missouri to work for a defense-based engineering company.  In this capacity, he oversaw the design, creation and quality assurance of vehicles for the Air Force, working hand-in-hand with an outstanding team of men and women to develop instruments that would be used to keep the nation safe.  While working, Jay commuted to Fort Leonard Wood to earn a master’s degree in engineering management.

In 2000, Ashcroft moved to St. Louis and began teaching engineering and technology courses at the Forest Park, Florissant Valley and Meramec campuses of Saint Louis Community College.   Many of his former students carried their enhanced engineering capacities into their jobs in St. Louis’ auto manufacturing industry.

After a decade devoted to engineering, Jay sought to bring his technical experience into a practice of law. As a graduate of St. Louis University School of Law and a member of the Missouri bar, Ashcroft has earned multiple certifications in the challenging arena of citizen privacy and data protection. He has practiced law for eight years in St. Louis County, counseling clients on legal issues ranging from regulatory compliance to patent prosecution and election law.

As Missouri’s next secretary of state, Ashcroft is committed to fulfilling promises made on the campaign trail: To rebuild confidence in elections, to restore relationships with local election authorities, and to work to attract new jobs in Missouri.

Jay Ashcroft is humbled to have been given this distinct honor and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Missouri.