Commissioner Jerel Lee Poor II was appointed to the Administrative Hearing Commission by Governor Parson in 2024.

Commissioner Poor was born and raised in St. Louis. He graduated from Mehlville Senior High School in 2003, where he became an Eagle Scout. His Eagle Scout Project, an enclosure for bald eagles, is still in use at the World Bird Sanctuary today. 

He received his B.A. from Lindenwood University in St. Charles in 2007 and his Master of Business Administration in 2008. He then received his J.D. from Saint Louis University: School of Law. 

Before his appointment, he was a Circuit Judge in the 24th Circuit. He heard the most serious felony cases, including a few high-profile murder cases. In addition, he also had a civil docket where he heard the more advanced civil cases for the circuit. 

Commissioner Poor is most proud of his work as a judge in his juvenile docket. Before becoming Judge, the Circuit didn’t even have a CASA Program, and he pointed out that every other Circuit surrounding the 24th had one at the time. During his time as Judge, the Circuit was recognized by the Missouri Supreme Court for their efforts. 

Prior to joining the AHC, he presided over 150 adoptions as a Judge.

Before becoming a judge, he primarily worked as a corporate attorney. 

Commissioner Poor and his wife live with their daughter in rural South-Eastern Missouri. They live on some acreage and have a few horses and barn cats.