JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – More than two months after the suicide of State Auditor Tom Schweich, a Republican, Gov. Jay Nixon’s appointee, Democrat Nicole Galloway, was sworn-in Monday pledging to carry on in her late predecessor’s spirit.

“Serving as state auditor means upholding a sacred trust,” said Galloway, pointing to the office’s watchdog function over state spending.

Galloway was administered the oath of office by Missouri Chief Justice Mary Russell in front of Gov. Jay Nixon, acting state auditor John Watson, and dozens of family members, friends and Democratic state lawmakers.

As auditor, Galloway – a certified public accountant who has worked in the private sector – said she hopes to add a focus on a state agency’s cyber security status to her new audits. “Government must be responsible to hold private data secure,” she said.

As Galloway took the reins of the office, she began making moves to replace Schweich’s former staff with her own. His former chief of staff, Trish Vincent, and Deputy State Auditor Harry Otto, both resigned. Galloway said she would announce their replacements soon.