JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Kelli Jones is stepping into the role of communications director for the Missouri’s Governor’s Office. She will replace Steele Shippy, who Gov. Mike Parson tapped to head his re-election campaign.
The change in roles will be effective August 2, 2019.
“Kelli brings many years of valuable communication and leadership experience to our office,” Parson said in a statement. “She has more than proved herself as Press Secretary, and I have great confidence in her to take over as our Communications Director.”
“Missouri is my home, and there is no greater honor than working alongside such a great team to serve the people of this state,” Jones said in a statement. “I’m excited for the opportunity to continue working with our team and serving Missourians in this new role.”
Jones has served as deputy communications director and press secretary since Parson took office in June of last year. She previously served as Parson’s communications director during his tenure as lieutenant governor.
A former educator and Missouri native, Jones has more than 25 years of experience in communications. She was on the faculty of State Technical College of Missouri since 2003, where she served seven years as chair of the Communication and Social Science departments.
Parson hasn’t officially announced his re-election campaign but named Shippy, his communications director, as his campaign manager. Parson is expected to make a formal announcement soon.
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.
