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.”

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.”

Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced today the appointment of Chris Chinn as Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA).

“Director Chinn knows Missouri agriculture, and I am proud to have her on our team as we expand our ag industry and support the farmers who feed, fuel, and clothe the world,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “As first-generation farmers, Claudia and I are proud to work alongside Missouri’s farm families to contribute to our state’s $93.7 billion ag industry.”

Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Michelle Hataway as Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED). Hataway will continue to serve as DED Director after being confirmed to the position in May 2024.

Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced today the formation of his inaugural committee, Securing Missouri’s Future, which will host events celebrating the inauguration of Missouri’s statewide office holders on January 12 and January 13, 2025.

Governor-Elect Kehoe has appointed Andy Blunt as chairman of the inaugural committee.