Jefferson City

JANUARY 6, 2025

Jefferson City — Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced today the appointment of Patricia E. (Trish) Vincent as Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR). Vincent will assume the role of DOR Director effective January 13, 2025, and await Missouri Senate confirmation.

“I am proud to have Trish on our Cabinet team as we work to make our state agencies even more efficient and effective,” said Governor-Elect Kehoe. “With her experience and professionalism, I am confident that she will be a great partner in providing excellent service at the Missouri Department of Revenue.”

Most recently, Vincent served as Executive Deputy Secretary of State and Chief of Staff to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

“I want to thank Governor-Elect Kehoe for the opportunity to serve the people of Missouri in this capacity,” Vincent said. “I look forward to working with the Kehoe Administration and the team at DOR to improve the customer experience and function with speed and efficiency. Whether filing taxes or renewing license plates, Missourians should have a positive experience with the Department of Revenue.”

Vincent has decades of experience in state government, including serving as the Director of Revenue and Chief of Staff for Governor Matt Blunt, and in the Office of the State Auditor.

Vincent earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Lincoln University.

Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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DECEMBER 30, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced today the appointment of several individuals who will make up his senior staff in the governor’s office.

“I’m ready to get to work with this talented group of hardworking individuals who share my vision and passion for securing an even better future for Missourians,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “I’ve known and worked closely with many of them for years, and each person brings invaluable experiences and expertise to the Governor’s Office. I look forward to having this team by my side as we work to make Missouri an even better place to live and work.”

Chief of Staff Adam Gresham currently serves Governor-Elect Kehoe as transition director and Chief of Staff in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. He has worked in various positions in state government, including in the Missouri Senate and in the Governor Blunt Administration. Gresham graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as an infantry and intelligence officer in the United States Marine Corps. He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Memphis.

Deputy Chief of Staff – Policy and Legislation Bill Anderson previously served asVice President of State Legislation at the Missouri Hospital Association. His state government experience includes the Missouri Technology Corporation and Director of Policy under Governor Matt Blunt. Andersonearned Master of Science in economics and finance and a Bachelor of Science in economics from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Deputy Chief of Staff – Operations Casey Adrian serves as the Buy Missouri Director and Tourism Liaison in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and previously served in various positions in the Missouri Senate. Adrian holds a Master of Arts in mass communications/media studies and a Bachelor of Science in business administration and management from the University of Central Missouri.

General Counsel Lowell Pearson brings more than 30 years of experience navigating the intersection of business and government at both state and federal levels. Most recently, Pearson was the Office Managing Partner at Husch Blackwell. He also served as Deputy Director of Revenue and General Counsel to Governor Matt Blunt. He earned a Juris Doctor from Stanford Law School.

Policy Director Jamie Birch joined the Office of Governor in December 2020 and has managed a policy portfolio consisting of Missouri’s 17 Executive Branch agencies. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Birch served as the Legislative Director for the Missouri Public Service Commission. She also has experience working in Arizona state government as a Policy Advisor for the Office of Arizona Governor Janice Brewer. Birch earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Arizona State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia.

Legislative Director Drew Dampf holds years of experience working in the Missouri Senate as Chief of Staff to the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations and, most recently, the Majority Floor Leader. He earned aBachelor of Applied Science in Agribusiness Management from the University of Missouri-Columbia

Communications Director Gabrielle Picard most recently served as Communications Director on the Kehoe gubernatorial campaign. Prior to joining the campaign, she served as Communications Director in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and previously held positions the Office of Governor under Governor Michael L. Parson. Picard earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Mississippi.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce administration appointments in the coming weeks.

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DECEMBER 26, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced Major Michael A. Turner as the 25^th Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP). Major Turner will assume the role of Superintendent following the retirement of Colonel Eric T. Olson, effective February 1, 2025, and await Missouri Senate confirmation.

“Appointing the next Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol—one of the nation’s finest law enforcement agencies—is a task that we did not take lightly, and I am confident in Major Turner’s qualifications and experience to lead the agency,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “My administration is ready to get to work on improving safety and security in our communities, and I look forward to Major Turner and our MSHP troopers playing a large role in that effort.”

Major Turner currently serves as commander of the Field Operations Bureau. He has direct oversight responsibility for all nine troops, the Aircraft Division, and the Water Patrol Division.

“I’m humbled to receive this appointment and look forward to working with Governor-Elect Kehoe and incoming DPS Director James to take care of our troopers on the road, enforce laws to improve public safety, and strengthen the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s distinguished reputation as the state’s premiere law enforcement agency,” said Major Turner.

Turner was appointed to the Patrol on January 1, 1996, as a member of the 71st Recruit Class. Upon graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy, he was assigned to Troop F, Zone 5, Camden County. He was promoted to corporal and designated assistant supervisor of Zone 8, Callaway County, on April 1, 2001. He transferred to Zone 5, Camden/Miller counties on February 28, 2004. On April 29, 2007, he was promoted to sergeant and designated zone supervisor of Zone 6, Moniteau/Morgan counties. Turner served as Troop F SWAT team leader from 2004 to 2011 and founded the Central Missouri Tactical Officers Association. He was promoted to lieutenant on November 1, 2011, and assigned to Troop F Headquarters. On March 1, 2015, Turner was promoted to captain and designated commanding officer of Troop F, Jefferson City. On April 1, 2019, Turner was promoted to major and named commander of the Support Services Bureau. On March 1, 2022, Turner was named commander of the Field Operations Bureau.

Major Turner was born in Texas and grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He earned an Associate of Arts from Metropolitan Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Columbia College, and a Master of Arts in sociology and criminal justice from Lincoln University. He is a graduate of the St. Louis University Law Enforcement Leadership and Organizational Change program and the Missouri Police Chief’s Association Command College. He completed Police Leadership: The West Point Model Executive Level Course and the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Leadership Missouri program. Turner is also a recipient of the David Steward Academic and Leadership Award and the Patrol’s Valor Award.

Major Turner and his wife, Stacy (Hodges), have two children, Evan and Elizabeth, and a grandson, Rowan.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce appointments in the coming weeks. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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DECEMBER 19, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced today the appointment of Kurt Schaefer as Director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Schaefer will assume the role of DNR Director effective January 13, 2025, and await Missouri Senate confirmation.

“I am proud to have Kurt on our team as we work to make our state agencies more efficient and effective,” said Governor-Elect Kehoe. “Kurt holds valuable experience in both the private sector and state government, and I have full confidence that he will be an excellent leader at the Department of Natural Resources.”

With a legal career spanning nearly three decades, Schaefer has worked with governmental entities at every level, including all branches of government, state agencies, numerous boards and citizen commissions, and political organizations.

As the State Senator for Missouri’s 19th Senate District, Schaefer served as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee for six years, composing and passing a balanced state budget.

“I’m honored by Governor-Elect Kehoe’s confidence in me to serve Missourians at DNR,” Schaefer said. “I look forward to carrying on the department’s mission of efficient and sustainable management of Missouri’s natural resources, protection of human health and the environment, and the development of comprehensive energy policy.”

Previously, Schaefer served as General Counsel and Deputy Director of DNR. He oversaw the emergency response, environmental remediation and cleanup of the destruction caused by the Taum Sauk Reservoir failure in December 2005, and was lead counsel in negotiating settlement for the State’s natural resource damages and park restoration of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, valued in excess of $170 million. He also served as lead counsel for the department in negotiating state and federally required sewer infrastructure capital improvements with the City of Kansas City and the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District, valued in excess of $3 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively.

Schaefer also worked as a Special Criminal Prosecutor at the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, working closely with local elected prosecutors and law enforcement. He counseled and represented the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Department of Public Safety, Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission, Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, and Department of Natural Resources in civil litigation in state and federal courts.

Schaefer earned a Juris Doctor and a Master Studies of Environmental Law from Vermont Law School, and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from the University of Missouri. He and his wife have three adult children and reside in Boone County.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce Cabinet member appointments in the coming weeks. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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DECEMBER 18, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Jessica (Jess) Bax as Director of the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS). Bax will assume the role of DSS Director effective January 13, 2025, and await Missouri Senate confirmation.

“Jess brings valuable experience working with state and local agencies and successfully building partnerships with stakeholders to this role,” said Governor-Elect Kehoe. “With her extensive knowledge of social service programs, the budget and legislative process, and her passion for providing quality service to the people of Missouri, I am confident she will bring excellent leadership to the Department of Social Services.”

Bax currently serves as the Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities for the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH).

Prior to joining the Department of Mental Health, Bax served for three years as the Director of the Division of Senior and Disability Services for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, with responsibility for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services, Adult Protective Services, and Older Americans Act programs. She has nearly 20 years of government and leadership experience, including serving as the Constituent Services Manager, Bureau Chief of Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports, and Deputy Division Director for Senior and Disability Services. She currently serves as a National Board Member for ADvancing States.

“I am humbled at the opportunity to serve in the Kehoe Administration and the people of Missouri in this capacity,” Jess Bax said. “I look forward to working on streamlining operations, program integrity, and incorporating national best practices to help all Missourians have access to the tools they need to be safe and healthy.”  

Bax holds a master’s degree in Public Affairs from the Harry S. Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri-Columbia. She and her husband, Brian, have five daughters and reside in St. Elizabeth, Missouri.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce Cabinet member appointments in the coming weeks. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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DECEMBER 13, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced today the schedule of public events hosted by his inaugural committee, Securing Missouri’s Future. All listed events are open to the public, no tickets required.

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe, his family, and invited guests will begin inaugural activities with a private mass in Jefferson City.

Monday, January 13, 2025

What:     Salute to Heroes

When:     9:00 a.m.

Where:    Missouri State Capitol – First Floor Rotunda

                201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, MO 65101

What:     Inauguration Ceremony

When:    11:30 a.m.

Where:   Missouri State Capitol – South Lawn

What:     Day One Action Ceremony

When:    12:45 p.m.

Where:   Missouri State Capitol – Governor’s Office

   *This event is open to media and invited guests only.

What:     Promenade of the Budweiser Clydesdales

When:    1:45 p.m.

Where:   Missouri State Capitol to the Missouri Governor’s Mansion

What:     Meet-and-Greet with Governor Mike Kehoe and First Lady Claudia Kehoe

When:    2:00 p.m.

Where:   Missouri Governor’s Mansion

   100 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101

What:     Grand March and Inaugural Ball

When:    7:00 p.m.

Where:   Missouri State Capitol

*Additional information on program participants, media credentialing, and resources available to media will be provided at a later date. *

Please visit SecuringMissourisFuture.org for more information on inaugural events.

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DECEMBER 11, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced Missouri’s Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

The annual CRE is a figure established by state budget experts and is one of the basic assumptions used by the Governor and legislative leaders to build and balance Missouri’s budget.

The key figure in the CRE is the projected general revenue collections. Net general revenue collections in FY26 are expected to be $13.56 billion. This represents a 1.6 percent net general revenue growth over the revised CRE for FY25.

“I appreciate House and Senate leadership, our state budget team, and other state partners for helping develop this year’s revenue estimate to inform our budget for next year,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “I look forward to working with the legislature on a conservative, balanced budget this upcoming session.”

The revised estimate for the current fiscal year (FY25) assumes $13.35 billion in net general revenue collections, which represents a 0.6 percent decline compared to FY24.

“I am pleased to reach a consensus revenue estimate and anticipate working with the Kehoe Administration and the House to build a sustainable, conservative budget,” said Senator Lincoln Hough, Senate Appropriations Chairman.

“There are big issues on the horizon. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the House, the Senate, and Governor-Elect Kehoe on crafting a fiscally responsible FY26 budget.” said Representative Dirk Deaton, House Budget Vice Chairman.

Governor-Elect Kehoe will outline his proposed FY26 budget during his first State of the State address in January.

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DECEMBER 9, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Mark S. James as Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). James will assume the role of DPS Director effective January 13, 2025, and await Missouri Senate confirmation.

“Mark James brings decades of valuable law enforcement and leadership experience to this role, and we’re going to get to work on day one to bring safety back to our communities,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “We need a strong, experienced leader who will be tough on crime, and I am confident Mark will be an excellent leader for the Department of Public Safety.”

A former state and federal law enforcement official, James began his law enforcement career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) in the 48^th recruit class, where he served for nine years, as a uniformed trooper in Greene and Christian Counties and undercover.

James was recruited to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in 1987, eventually rising the ranks to become the Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division when he retired from ATF in 2007. Following his retirement, James continued his public service after being appointed by then-Missouri Governor Matt Blunt as director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety in 2005. In 2010, he became the chancellor of Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Kansas City, while overseeing all aspects of the college, he created its first campus police department and dispatch center.

Most recently, James was appointed by President Donald Trump as the United States Marshal of the Western Judicial District of Missouri, where he spearheaded numerous law enforcement operations that resulted in the arrests of hundreds of state and federal fugitives wanted for violent crimes, including Operation Legend.

“Governor-Elect Kehoe’s vision for public safety will drive the work of the department and its agencies, and I’m honored to have his trust and confidence,” Mark James said. “I look forward to working with the Kehoe Administration, the Missouri legislature, and all of our local, county, state, and federal public safety partners to ensure safety for all Missourians.”

A native of Willow Springs, James studied at the University of Missouri, earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice & Administration from the University of Central Missouri, an M.S. of Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University, completed coursework for Ph.D. in Business Administration, and received a Doctor of Laws from the University of Central Missouri.

The Department of Public Safety comprises eight different agencies (including two commissions) and five separate programs all committed to ensuring the safety of the citizens of Missouri. Additionally, the Office of the Director administers the Homeland Security Program and state and federal funds in grants for juvenile justice, victims’ assistance, law enforcement and narcotics control.

Other programs in the Director’s Office provide support services and resources to assist local law enforcement agencies and to provide training criteria and licensing for law enforcement officers.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce Cabinet member appointments in the coming weeks. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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DECEMBER 3, 2024

Jefferson City — Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced today the appointment of Anna Hui as Director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DOLIR). Hui will continue to lead DOLIR after being appointed to the position in March 2017.

“Missouri is a great place to live and work, and Director Hui has done a fantastic job making DOLIR programs more efficient and effective for Missouri employers and workers,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “I look forward to working with Anna and her team to continue meeting the needs of Missourians and strengthening economic prosperity across the state.”

For over two decades, Hui has worked in numerous senior positions in both state and federal government. Currently, she serves as the Secretary/Treasurer and previously as President of the National Association of Government Labor Officials (NAGLO); Board Secretary of the National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) and Board President of the International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC).

“I’m honored by the trust Governor-Elect Kehoe has placed in me to continue serving Missourians as a member of his cabinet,” Director Hui said. “My team and I look forward to working with the Kehoe Administration and the legislature as we continue to work to promote industry and labor and protect the rights and safety of Missouri’s workforce.”

Hui received a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, a M.S.M. and a M.B.A. from the University of Maryland University College and B.S. in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce Cabinet member appointments in the coming weeks. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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NOVEMBER 26, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Trevor Foley as Director of the Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC). Foley will continue to lead DOC after being sworn in as acting director in December 2023.

“Acting Director Foley brings years of valuable experience to the Missouri Department of Corrections and is a well-respected leader in state government,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “I look forward to working with Trevor and his team to help DOC continue to lead the nation in improving lives for safer communities.”

“I’m grateful to Governor-Elect Kehoe for this opportunity to continue my service to the state of Missouri,” Acting Director Foley said. “I will continue to advocate for the interests of corrections staff, the safety of our communities, and the needs of the people we serve.”

Foley began his career with the Missouri Department of Corrections as a budget analyst in January 2000 and was promoted to budget analyst III by May 2001. In August 2008, he accepted a position with the Missouri State Senate as an appropriations analyst. He was promoted to assistant director of the Senate Appropriations Staff Office in July 2015. Foley left the Senate and returned to the Department of Corrections as the director of budget and finance in August 2018.

Foley holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Columbia College. A headshot of Foley is attached.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce Cabinet member appointments in the coming weeks. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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