JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback now serving as chief of staff to Republican Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder has been appointed to the Missouri board that regulates utilities.

Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon announced the appointment of Bill Kenney to the Public Service Commission on Wednesday.

Kenney, of Lee's Summit, served in the state Senate from 1995 to 2003. He became Kinder's chief of staff in November 2011.

The five-member Public Service Commission decides on rate increases and regulates investor-owned electric, natural gas, water and sewer companies in Missouri.

Kenney's appointment requires confirmation by the state Senate. He would replace commissioner Jeff Davis.

Kenney was the starting quarterback for the Chiefs from 1980 to 1988 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 1983.