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Holste takes over as Nixon’s director of communications

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Scott Holste will become Gov. Jay Nixon’s director of communications as Channing Grate leaves to become deputy chief of staff for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.

Holste has been serving as Nixon’s press secretary since 2009 and has been a longtime Nixon staffer.

“Scott has been a trusted part of my team for more than 22 years and a public servant in Missouri for more than 25 years,” Nixon said. “He has earned the respect of reporters from around the state, and during the remainder of my term as Governor I know he will continue to communicate how we are working every day to improve the lives of Missourians and the many attributes that make Missouri such an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family.”

Holste was also elevated from press secretary to communications director when Nixon was attorney general. He has been working for Nixon since joining the attorney general as press secretary in 1994. He’s also worked in communications for University Hospital, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Association for Community Action.

Grate has served as Nixon’s director of communications since 2013.

“Channing’s work has been unparalleled in helping to communicate Missouri’s message of fiscal discipline, economic growth, college affordability, and opportunity for all,” Nixon said. “Her intellect, integrity and work ethic have made her an invaluable member of my senior staff and a trusted advisor on a wide range of issues.  I wish her continued success in the next chapter of her already stellar career.”

Holste will take over for Grate effective Friday.