JEFFERSON CITY, Mo — Missouri’s soon-to-be attorney general has pulled several familiar faces to help guide the transition to new leadership of the state’s top law enforcement office.
On Thursday, Eric Schmitt, who is currently serving the state as state treasurer, announced that Todd Graves, Jerry Hunter, John Ashcroft, and John Danforth will all be apart of his transition team.
The transition team will consist of Graves and Hunter as chairmen, Ashcroft and Danforth as honorary co-chairs, and a multitude of state law enforcement, attorneys, and businessperson as advisers.
“Incoming Attorney General Schmitt has established a well-qualified team with strong experience within the legal and law enforcement community to ensure a successful transition,” said Hunter. ”I am honored to assist with this effort.”
Schmitt was appointed by Gov. Mike Parson to fill the vacancy that will arise when current-Attorney General Josh Hawley resigns his post to serve in the U.S. Senate in January.
“As the state’s next Attorney General, I look forward to serving as the lawyer for all six million Missourians,” said Schmitt. “I am grateful to the exceptional group of leaders who are assisting with this transition and are committed to protecting Missouri’s families.”
A press release noted that the transition team will focus on reviewing the Attorney General’s Office and gathering information relevant to Schmitt’s top priorities as Attorney General.
Chairs
Todd Graves is a partner with the law firm of Graves Garrett. Before forming Graves Garrett, Graves served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. Graves was appointed United States Attorney from his position as Platte County Prosecuting Attorney. Graves has served as the Missouri Republican Party chairman for the past two years. His term ends this year.
Jerry Hunter is a partner with the law firm of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Hunter previously was general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C., and served as the director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.
Honorary Co-Chairs
John Ashcroft, former United States Attorney General and former Missouri Attorney General
John Danforth, former United States Senator, and former Missouri Attorney General
Advisors
Amy Boxx, the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney
Ben Butler, the Cass County Prosecuting Attorney
Bill Corrigan, Partner at Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Blake Hurst, Missouri Farm Bureau President
Daniel Isom, Executive Director of the Regional Justice Information Service Commission and former Chief of Police for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department
Tim Lohmar, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney
Brian Munzlinger, Farmer and former Chair of the Missouri Senate Agriculture Committee
Kathy Osborn, Regional Business Council Executive Director
Joe Patterson, St. Louis County Police Detective and President of St. Louis County Police Association
Rev. B.T. Rice, Pastor of New Horizon Christian Church
Mark Woolbright, 2nd District International Association of Firefighters Vice-President
Danny Whiteley, City of Poplar Bluff Police Chief
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.