Jefferson City

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Jefferson City — 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.”

“I would like to thank Governor-Elect Kehoe for the opportunity to continue leading the department and working for Missouri’s farm families,” Director Chinn said. “The future for Missouri agriculture is bright under the leadership of Governor-Elect Kehoe. My team and I look forward to continuing to promote and protect our state’s top economic driver.”

Director Chinn has been an agriculture leader on local, state, and national levels for more than 20 years, in roles with the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Faces of Farming, American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers, and Missouri Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

As a trailblazer in agriculture advocacy, Chinn has established her brand through social media and public speaking. Through her outreach, she bridges the gap between farmers and consumers. Chinn, her husband, Kevin, and their children raise hogs, cattle, corn, soybeans, and hay as well as operate their family feed mill.

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 20, 2024

Jefferson City — 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.

“I have had many opportunities to work with Director Hataway and see firsthand her leadership and expertise in promoting Missouri as a great place to live, work, and start a business,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “Expanding economic development efforts will be of paramount importance in my administration, and I look forward to working with Michelle and her team to help secure an even brighter future for all Missourians.”

In her more than nine years with DED, Hataway has served as regional manager, deputy director, and director of the Division of Regional Engagement. More recently, she served as deputy director of DED before being elevated to acting director on June 16, 2023. Prior to joining DED, Hataway held positions with her family’s 90-year-old business and at Netflix.

“I’m honored by the trust Governor-Elect Kehoe has placed in me to continue leading our team and helping Missourians prosper,” Director Hataway said. “Economic development takes collaboration, and we’re fortunate in Missouri to have a wide range of supportive partners across the public and private sectors. I look forward to continuing our work together while leading DED’s initiatives to strengthen businesses, communities, and our economy.”

Hataway earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in communication studies from the University of Alabama. A headshot of Hataway 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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NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Jefferson City — 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.

“I am honored to serve as the chairman of the inaugural committee for my good friends Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe and Claudia Kehoe,” said Andy Blunt. “The inauguration, focused on Securing Missouri’s Future, will lay the groundwork for the implementation of the governor-elect’s ambitious agenda to make our streets safer, improve the economic well-being of Missouri families, and ensure Missouri is doing its part to support common sense policies to secure our nation.”

Inaugural events will include a private mass, a “Salute to Heroes” honoring Missouri’s first responders, veterans, and members of the military, the swearing-in ceremony, a meet-and-greet with the first family, and the inaugural ball.

Details of each event will be released at a later date.

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NOVEMBER 18, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Kenneth (Ken) J. Zellers as Commissioner of the Missouri Office of Administration (OA). Kehoe also announced Dan Haug will continue to serve as State Budget Director in the incoming administration.

“Commissioner Zellers brings years of valuable leadership experience to the Office of Administration and has more than proved his commitment to making state government more efficient and effective,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “Ken and I share business backgrounds, and I have full confidence that he will continue to be a great partner in providing great service to the people of Missouri.”

Zellers will continue to serve as OA Commissioner after being appointed by Governor Mike Parson in October of 2021. Prior to this appointment, Zellers served as Chief Operating Officer, Acting Director, and Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue where he led transformative efforts to improve customer service and efficiency.

The Office of Administration serves as the administrative and managerial arm of State of Missouri government, responsible for coordinating the central management functions of state government to help departments operate efficiently and effectively.

“I want to thank Governor-Elect Kehoe for the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Missouri in this capacity,” Commissioner Zellers said. “At the Office of Administration, we are working to implement state-of-the-art technology and enhance the overall customer experience for Missouri citizens and customers. My team and I look forward to working with the Kehoe Administration and the legislature as we continue to transform state government to function with business-like speed and efficiency.”

Before joining state government, Zellers held numerous senior roles at Anheuser-Busch InBev, most recently serving as the Global Director Operations, Brewing and Quality. In this role, Zellers was responsible for improving the overall customer/consumer experience by collecting and analyzing relevant global call center data. Zellers also served on the North American Wholesaler Advisory Board, representing Anheuser-Busch InBev and over 750 U.S. distribution centers and product wholesalers.

Zellers has dedicated his career to developing and implementing processes that improve quality and efficiency, while reducing cost. In prior roles with Anheuser-Busch InBev, Zellers served as Senior Director of Human Resource Operations, a member of the Human Resource Operating Committee, and Global Director of Compensation.

Zellers was born and raised in Missouri. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis.

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 8, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, the transition team for Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced dates for the Inauguration, Inaugural Ball, and the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast.

On Monday, January 13, 2025, at the Missouri State Capitol, Mike Kehoe will be sworn in as the 58th Governor of the State of Missouri. The Inaugural Ball will be held on the evening of January 13th at the Missouri State Capitol.

On the morning of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Governor Kehoe will host the annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City.

*Additional details on ticketing, speakers, and media information will be announced at a later date.

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NOVEMBER 8, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe and Transition Director Adam Gresham announced the appointment of the governor-elect’s transition staff. This announcement follows Wednesday’s press conference naming Adam Gresham as the transition director. Gresham will lead the transition team’s efforts to craft the incoming administration’s state budget, policy priorities, and staffing.

“My charge from Governor-Elect Kehoe is to help him build an administration that represents and shares his vision for Missouri, is composed of the best people possible, and functions in a manner that meets the needs of Missourians,” said Gresham. “There is much work to be done and a short time to do it. These men and women have my trust and confidence.”

Governor-Elect Kehoe’s transition team consists of the following individuals:

• Adam Gresham – Transition Director
• Lowell Pearson – General Counsel
• Bill Anderson – Policy
• Casey Adrian – Operations
• Gabby Picard – Communications
• Jamie Birch – Policy
• Drew Dampf – Legislation
• Amanda Holtmeyer – Administration

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 6, 2024

Jefferson City — Today, at a press conference in Jefferson City, Governor-elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Adam Gresham as his transition director. Gresham will lead the transition team’s efforts to craft the incoming administration’s state budget, policy priorities, and staffing.

“Adam Gresham has been a trusted leader on my team for many years, and I have complete confidence in his abilities to help me prepare to assume the role of governor and get to work on day one,” said Governor-elect Kehoe. “We will assemble an administration that is ready to build a safer, stronger, more prosperous state for all Missourians.”

Later this week, Gresham will announce additional members of the governor-elect’s transition team. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit governor-elect.mo.gov to explore opportunities.

“I am humbled at the opportunity to assist our governor-elect in building his administration,” Gresham said. “The governor-elect has a vision for Missouri, and I look forward to working with the transition team to move our state forward with an administration that represents and shares his vision for Missouri, is composed of the best people possible, and functions in a manner that meets the needs of Missourians.”

Gresham graduated from the United States Naval Academy and served as an infantry and intelligence officer in the United States Marine Corps. He also holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Memphis. Gresham currently serves as chief of staff in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and has worked in various positions in state government, including in the Governor Blunt Administration.

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