Press "Enter" to skip to content

Gov. Parson meets with mayors, announces new staff members

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri’s new governor Mike Parson continues working to settle into his new role, but in just his second business day in the chief executive office, Parson is meeting with numerous legislative, state, and local leaders.

On Tuesday, Parson met with Kansas City Mayor Sly James, as well as members of Missouri Mayors United for Progress (Kathy Rose, Riverside; Brian Treece, Columbia; Len Pagano, St. Peters; Karen Best, Branson; Tom Schneider, Florissant; and Carrie Tergin, Jefferson City) to discuss the issues their communities faced and strengthen relationships.

“Today’s meeting was an important first step to bridging the divide between urban and rural Missouri,” Parson said in a statement. “This is an impressive group of Missouri leaders and together we will work to address the issues facing our local communities, including workforce development, infrastructure, and crime.”

One of the issues discussed with mayors was that of infrastructure, which Parson said he will support. When asked if he would support improving the transportation network of the state, he said it was important to do so, and would stand by raising the fuel tax if it were part of the plan.

Parson is scheduled to meet with St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger and St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson on Wednesday.

Stenger, Krewson to meet with new Missouri Governor Mike Parson

Parson shared some insight regarding the state’s low-income housing tax credits. Parson had opposed former governor Eric Greitens’ effort to defund the program, but Parson said that it was “not something that we’re going to deal with at the current time.” He did state that he would like to form a committee to look at the issue.

Parson also met with House Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr and Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo. Haahr told the Associated Press that he expects Parson will be involved with the legislature on a day-to-day basis.

Having announced Aaron Willard as his chief of staff, the new governor also formally announced the latest round of staff members for his team: Marylyn Luetkemeyer as Executive Assistant to the Governor, Robert Knodell as Deputy Chief of Staff, Justin Alferman as Legislative Director, Steele Shippy as Communications Director, and Kelli Jones as Press Secretary.

Luetkemeyer will serve as Executive Assistant to the Governor and was Governor Parson’s former Executive Assistant when he was a Senator and Lieutenant Governor.

“Marylyn brings over two decades of experience to this office providing professional support for various legislators. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and political savvy sets the standard,” Parson said.

Robert Knodell will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff and is the former Executive Director of the House Republican Campaign Committee, former Chief of Staff for the Missouri House Pro Tem, and a former budget and policy advisor to the Missouri House Budget Chairman.

“Robert is trusted and respected by many and brings a wealth of experience to this office,” Governor Parson said.

Justin Alferman will serve as Legislative Director and is a former Missouri State Representative – District 61, serving Franklin, Gasconade, and Osage counties. He also was the Vice-Chairman of the House Budget Committee.

“As a former elected State Representative, Justin understands well the importance of government working to serve and protect the interests of the people of Missouri,” Governor Parson said.

Shippy is the former Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, former Executive Assistant to 2016 Republican Presidential Candidate, Mike Huckabee, and former Director of Operations for Protect the Harvest.

“Steele is fully equipped to lead our office in providing effective communication, better transparency, and being responsive to the citizens of Missouri,” Governor Parson said. Steele Shippy will serve as Communications Director.

Jones’ career in communications brings over 25 years of experience to this office. She was on the faculty of State Technical College of Missouri since 2003, having served seven years as Department Chair of Communication and Social Science.

“We take pride in the fact that a well-qualified individual such as Kelli wants to be a member of our staff, benefiting our office, the State Capitol, and the people of Missouri,” Governor Parson said. Kelli Jones will serve as Press Secretary.

Next week, Parson is set to deliver a speech to the House and Senate and tour the state.