JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s new governor, Mike Parson, has started selecting his new staff in the chief executive office, and he has named one of Missouri’s political stars as his new chief of staff.
Parson on Monday evening announced that Aaron Willard, a Republican staffer and campaign strategist would take over the reins as chief of staff.
“Aaron’s great reputation with the legislature and clear understanding of state and federal government make him the perfect fit for such an important role,” Governor Parson said.
Willard comes to the role with years of experience in Missouri politics, having served as chief of staff to several Missouri House Speakers, on various campaigns, as well as the U.S. Department of Commerce. In 2016, he served as the political director for the Trump campaign in Missouri, which was followed by a spot on President Trump’s 2017 transition team.
“We’re building a team Missourians can trust, and Aaron is ready to help lead Missouri forward,” Parson said.
Parson also named Steele Shippy, who had been serving as deputy chief of staff to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, as the new comms director, and Rep. Justin Alferman will leave the Missouri House of Representatives to take on the role of legislative director.
Benjamin Peters was a reporter for The Missouri Times and Missouri Times Magazine and also produced the #MoLeg Podcast. He joined The Missouri Times in 2016 after working as a sports editor and TV news producer in mid-Missouri. Benjamin is a graduate of Missouri State University in Springfield.
