The State Board of Education elected a St. Joseph accountant as its president Thursday.

David Liechti, the board’s vice president, will start his term as state president on July 1.

Mr. Liechti previously served on the St. Joseph Board of Education as a member and as president. He joined the state board in October 2003.

He still lives in St. Joseph and works as a Certified Public Accountant.

Dr. Russell Thompson, of Columbia, has served as president of the state board for the past two years, according to a state news release.