Governor Kehoe to Deliver 2026 State of the State Address
DECEMBER 8, 2025
Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe will deliver the 2026 State of the State Address detailing his legislative priorities and his Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Governor Kehoe to deliver 2026 State of the State Address
When: 3:00 p.m. (CST)
Where: Missouri State Capitol – House Chamber
Media: Open
Additional information on media accommodations and a full schedule of the day's events will be provided at a later date.
Media should contact Ben Peters at ben.peters@house.mo.gov or 573-751-4043 to arrange accommodation in the House Chamber.
The speech will be live-streamed on Governor Kehoe's Facebook page, the State of Missouri's Facebook page, and mo.gov/live. A satellite uplink with closed captioning will also be available. The link, schedule of the day’s events, and logistical details will be provided at a later date.
###
Governor Kehoe Announces Five Gubernatorial Appointments
DECEMBER 5, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced five gubernatorial appointments to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Cameron Christoffer, of Shelbyville, was appointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Mr. Christoffer is a hairstylist at Cam's Cut and Curl with more than 15 years of experience in the industry. In addition to his career as a professional hairstylist, he also serves as a cosmetology and crossover instructor at Hart Career Center in Mexico. Christoffer holds a bachelor's degree in education and training from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg.
William Davis Jr., of Springfield, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Mr. Davis is the owner and director of Paul Mitchell The School Columbia, with nearly 45 years of experience in the cosmetology industry. He previously served as an admissions director for Paul Mitchell The School Springfield and owned Hairloom Salon in Forsyth. Davis graduated from Professional Beauty College in Springfield.
Linell Dozier, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Ms. Dozier previously served as a receptionist for Governor Matt Blunt before transitioning to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, where she remained until her retirement in 2015. A dedicated community leader, she was previously involved in the Westside Business Association and the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce for over three decades. Dozier also served as chair of the Mid-Missouri Heart Ball.
Leo Price Sr., of O’Fallon, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Mr. Price is the former owner of Desi's Sports Barber Shop and currently serves as the president of St. Charles Barber College (SCBC), where he assists and oversees several instructional programs. Pricegraduated from the Missouri School of Barbering and Hairstyling in Florissant.
Timothy Root, of Columbia, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Mr. Root is the owner and stylist of Root's Nouveau Salon. With nearly 30 years of experience in the field, he currently serves as the Region II Director on the National Interstate Council of State Boards of Cosmetology. Root earned his degree in cosmetology from the American College of Hair Design.
###
Governor Kehoe to Host 2026 Governor's Prayer Breakfast
DECEMBER 5, 2025
Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe and Mrs. Claudia Kehoe invite Missourians to attend the 2026 Governor's Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Convention Center in Jefferson City.
This year's theme, One Nation Under God, will highlight the shared values of faith and service that guide our state and nation. The event program will include prayer, musical selections, and a keynote address.
The Missouri Governor’s Prayer Breakfast is an annual faith-based event for all state leaders and citizens from across Missouri, with the purpose of seeking God’s guidance for state government leaders at the beginning of the 2026 legislative session.
Visit MissouriGPB.com for more information and to reserve seats.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
When:
7:10 a.m. Seating of Guests
7:30 a.m. Breakfast
9:00 a.m. Adjournment
Where:
Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center
415 W McCarty Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Media: Open
Event will be livestreamed on MissouriGPB.com and on Governor Kehoe's social media pages.
###
Governor Kehoe Announces Two Judicial Appointments
DECEMBER 3, 2025
Jefferson City — JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two judicial appointments to the 16th and 21st Judicial Circuits.
John Gromowsky, of Kansas City, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit.
Judge Gromowsky currently serves as the Associate Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit and is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in both prosecution and defense. An active member of his community, he has served on public safety committees, coached youth sports, and held leadership positions within his local bar association. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point where he earned his bachelor's degree in military science and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, where he served in several leadership roles, including a platoon leader and executive officer. Following his military service, he earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. Judge Gromowsky will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge S. Margene Burnett.
Bridget Halquist, of St. Louis, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 21st Judicial Circuit.
Ms. Halquist is an attorney specializing in business litigation, contracts, and employment law and most recently served as a managing member of Summers Compton Wells LLC. She previously served for four years as a federal judicial law clerk to the Honorable Henry Edward Autrey at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri before beginning work in private practice. Halquist is a veteran of the United States Air Force, where she served as a weather specialist. She is active in several bar associations and was appointed by the Missouri Supreme Court to serve as a bar exam grader for the Missouri Board of Law Examiners. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wilmington College, a Master of Science from Chaminade University, and earned her Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law. Ms. Halquist will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Thomas C. Albus.
###
Governor Kehoe Announces Eleven Gubernatorial Appointments
NOVEMBER 24, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nine gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions and filled two county vacancies.
Robert Alpers, of Prairie Home, was appointed to the Clean Water Commission.
Mr. Alpers is the secretary and treasurer of Alpers Brothers Farms Inc. He is an active member of several agricultural boards and organizations, including the United Soybean Board, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Missouri Soybean Association, and Missouri Farm Bureau. He also serves as chairman of the Cooper County Ambulance District and is a member and past-president of the Prairie Home Lions Club. He is a graduate of the Syngenta Leadership and Agriculture Leaders of Tomorrow leadership programs.
Melissa Berger, of Qulin, was appointed as the Butler County Public Administrator.
Ms. Berger currently serves as the deputy public administrator for Butler County. She previously served as city clerk for the City of Qulin and worked as a title researcher and closer for Heritage Title. Berger holds a notary public license and is a graduate of Twin Rivers High School.
Michael Brown, of Concordia, was appointed as the Lafayette County Southern Associate Commissioner.
Mr. Brown specializes in technical services administration for the Trails Regional Library of Johnson and Lafayette Counties. He previously served as mayor for the City of Concordia. An engaged member of his community, he previously served as a member of the Missouri State Teachers Association and president of the Concordia Teachers Organization. Brown earned his bachelor's degree in education from the University of Central Missouri.
Brett Calhoun, of Columbia, was appointed to the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Mr. Calhoun is the managing general partner of Redbud VC and the managing director of Scale Accelerator. He previously worked as a valuation consultant for Stern Brothers. He holds certificates in business valuation, Security Industry Essentials, and the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice. Calhoun earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Arkansas Tech University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Entrepreneurship from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
Allen Dillingham, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Mr. Dillingham is the director of government relations for The Builders, a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. He previously served as a division director for the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. He is an active member of his community, serving as vice chair for the St. Luke's Health System–Northland Hospital Board and the St. Luke's Foundation Board of Trustees. Dillingham earned his bachelor's degree in world political economy from Colorado College and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–Kansas City. He will serve as the chair of the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Andrea Fischer, of St. Joseph, was appointed to the Missouri Veterinary Medical Board.
Ms. Fischer is a senior therapeutic specialist for Gilead Sciences and previously worked as an executive oncology account specialist for AstraZeneca. She is an active member of several organizations, including the Missouri Cattlemen's Association and the American Simmental Association. Fischer earned her bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
Flint Fowler, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Harris-Stowe University Board of Regents.
Dr. Fowler is a retired executive who previously served as president of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater St. Louis. He remains an active member of his community, serving on the Board of Directors for the St. Louis Arch Park Foundation and BackStoppers. He previously served on the Board of Commissioners for the St. Louis Zoological Association and the Board of Education for St. Louis Public Schools. Fowler earned his bachelor's degree in psychology and black studies and master's degree in psychology from Washington University. He also earned a doctorate with an emphasis in higher education administration from St. Louis University.
Allen Kunkel, of Springfield, was appointed to the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Mr. Kunkel is an associate vice president of economic development and director of the Jordan Valley Innovation Center at Missouri State University. He serves on several boards, including the International Economic Development Council, the Heartland Economic Development Course Board, and the Missouri Economic Development Council. Kunkel earned his bachelor's degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–Columbia.
Kara Lowe, of Kansas City, was appointed to the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Ms. Lowe is the president and chief executive officer of the KC Tech Council. She previously served as the director of marketing for Washington Prime Group. She currently serves on the Workforce Advisory Board for the University of Kansas–Edwards Campus and Tech Councils of North America. Lowe earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Kansas.
Dr. Virginia Mennemeyer, of Troy, was reappointed to the Missouri Dental Board.
Dr. Mennemeyer is the private practice owner of Mennemeyer Orthodontics in Troy. She previously worked as an orthodontist for Hannibal Dental Group. Dr. Mennemeyer is currently a member of the Greater Saint Louis Dental Society, the Missouri Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. She also serves as Missouri’s Director for the Midwest Society of Orthodontists. Dr. Mennemeyer earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston, where she also graduated from the orthodontic residency program.
Dorian Stuber, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Holocaust Education and Awareness Commission.
Dr. Stuber is a retired professor of English at Hendrix College. He currently serves as an English Language Arts projects contractor for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Stuber holds a master's degree in theory and criticism from Western University and a doctorate in comparative literature from Cornell University.
###
Missouri Governor's Mansion to Host Tree Lighting Ceremony and Candlelight Tours
NOVEMBER 21, 2025
Jefferson City — Governor Mike Kehoe and Mrs. Claudia Kehoe invite families to join them for the first tree lighting ceremony and Candlelight Tours of the Kehoe Administration at the Missouri Governor's Mansion on Friday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. The lighting of the tree will be followed by Candlelight Tours until 8:00 p.m. During the Candlelight Tours, visitors will be able to walk through the festively decorated first floor of the Governor's Mansion.
The Candlelight Tours will run again Monday, December 8 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Candlelight Tours are free and open to the public. Visitors will enter through the Madison Street gate.
This year's theme is, "Saint Nicholas: A Season of Giving." As part of Governor and Mrs. Kehoe's newly announced charitable initiative, Mansion on a Mission, mothers and children with St. Raymond's Society will join the First Family as special guests during the tree lighting ceremony.
Toys for Tots representatives will also be in attendance during the Candlelight Tours to accept donations of new, unwrapped toys or monetary contributions to support Missouri children this holiday season.
"Claudia and I look forward to welcoming Missourians to the People’s House this Christmas as we celebrate this season of giving," said Governor Kehoe.
In addition to the 36-foot Christmas tree on the Mansion lawn, foresters with the Missouri Department of Conservation sourced 10 Norway spruce trees to embellish the brick walkway leading to the Mansion. The 7-foot trees were selected from Pea Ridge Forest, a wholesale tree nursery and Christmas tree farm near Hermann, Missouri. The trees will be installed on the mansion lawn and decorated prior to the tree lighting and Candlelight Tours, beginning on Tuesday, November 25.
The Governor's Gardens and the Maus House will also be decorated, with the Governor's Gardens featuring a 28-ft Christmas tree. Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet families at the Mansion from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. on December 5, and at the Maus House (115 Jefferson Street) from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. on December 8, 10, 12, and 15.
###
Governor Kehoe Announces Two Judicial Appointments
NOVEMBER 21, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two judicial appointments to the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
Brooke Hurst, of St. Louis, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
Ms. Hurst is an assistant prosecuting attorney in St. Louis County. She is an active member of several organizations, including the Women Lawyers’ Association of Greater St. Louis, the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, and the Lawyers Association of St. Louis. She is also an adjunct professor at Washington University School of Law. She holds a bachelor's degree in liberal arts and sciences from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign and earned her Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law. Hurst will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Barbara Peebles.
Patrick Richmond, of St. Louis, was appointed as Circuit Judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit.
Judge Richmond currently serves as an associate circuit judge in the 22nd Judicial Circuit. He is an active member of his community, serving as a Catholic Youth Council (CYC) basketball and soccer official, as well as a CYC basketball, soccer, and softball coach. He also serves on the ABC Brigade for Stroke Victims. Richmond holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. Louis University and earned his Juris Doctor from St. Louis University School of Law. Richmond will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Bryan Hettenbach.
###
Governor and Mrs. Kehoe Launch Mansion on a Mission Initiative
NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe and Mrs. Claudia Kehoe announced the launch of Mansion on a Mission, a community service initiative led by the First Family and the Missouri Governor’s Mansion.
The initiative’s first mission took place earlier today, Thursday, November 20, in Jefferson City, as the Governor and Mrs. Kehoe, along with the Governor’s Office and Mansion staff, delivered 100 Thanksgiving meals for families within the Jefferson City School District. Each meal kit included either a turkey or ham and ingredients to make traditional sides and a dessert.
"Mansion on a Mission is rooted in a simple belief: when we come together in service, we strengthen our state," said Governor Kehoe. "Claudia and I are proud to utilize the resources available to the Governor’s Mansion in a new way by making a direct impact on Missouri families. We look forward to using this initiative to highlight the good happening across Missouri, support families, and remind Missourians of the responsibility we all share to serve our neighbors."
Mrs. Kehoe said beginning the program in Missouri's capital city was a natural choice.
"Delivering these Thanksgiving meals was a meaningful reminder of how we can all put our Missouri values in action through care, generosity, and community," said Mrs. Kehoe. "We were excited to begin this effort here in Jefferson City, our state's capital city and the home of the Governor's Mansion. As this initiative grows, we look forward to seeing its positive impact spread across our state as we reach new communities and continue serving Missourians who may be in need of a helping hand."
This month’s Thanksgiving meal mission was also made possible by the generous donations of Cargill, Butterball, Central Dairy, the Missouri Pork Association, and the assistance of The Poultry Federation and the Missouri State Milk Board, as well as the collaboration of the Jefferson City School District.
Mansion on a Mission will continue to partner with local and statewide organizations to serve Missourians and strengthen communities across the state. Future missions will take place in various regions across the state and will be promoted by the Governor’s Office. Photos from the Thanksgiving meal packing and deliveries are available on the Governor’s Flickr page.
ABOUT MANSION ON A MISSION
Mansion on a Mission is a community-based initiative dedicated to serving Missourians. In partnership with the Missouri Governor's Mansion, the First Family leads efforts to provide resources and support to those in need of a helping hand. We are committed to strengthening communities and enhancing the well-being of Missourians across the state through compassion and service.
###
Governor Kehoe Orders Capitol Dome Lighted Red, White, and Blue in Honor of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th Birthday
NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Jefferson City — In celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps' 250th birthday, Governor Mike Kehoe has ordered the Missouri State Capitol dome to shine red, white, and blue, beginning at sunrise on Monday, November 10, 2025, until sunrise on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The lighting pays tribute to generations of Marines who have served our nation with courage, honor, and unwavering commitment to the United States of America.
"For 250 years, the United States Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of unmatched courage, discipline, and devotion to our nation," said Governor Kehoe. "Lighting the Capitol dome red, white, and blue is a promise that Missouri will never forget the valor of this elite force whose courage and character have shaped the very course of our nation's history."
Events commemorating the Marine Corps' 250th birthday will take place statewide, including gatherings hosted by veterans' organization and community partners. Missourians are encouraged to participate in these celebrations to honor past, present, and future Marines.
Photos of the Capitol lighted red, white, and blue will be available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.
###
Governor Kehoe Announces Three Gubernatorial Appointments
NOVEMBER 7, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced three gubernatorial appointments to various boards and commissions.
Stephanie Dooley, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Ms. Dooley has served as the director of admission and placement at City Academy Elementary School for over a decade. In addition to her professional career, she is also a member of the regional disciplinary committee for the Supreme Court of Missouri. Dooley earned her bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration from Webster University.
Melinda Robertson, of Bolivar, was appointed to the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Ms. Robertson is a seasoned government professional with nearly 30 years of experience serving as county clerk and south associate commissioner for Polk County. After retiring in 2024, she now works as a part-time tax and bookkeeping clerk at Winfield Tax Service. Robertson previously served on the Missouri Judicial Finance Commission.
Erwin "Erv" Switzer, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Missouri Technology Corporation.
Mr. Switzer is a partner and assistant general counsel at UB Greensfelder. He previously served on the advisory board for former Attorney General Josh Hawley's Military Legal Assistant Team. He is a member of several organizations, including the Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, the American Bar Association, and FOCUS St. Louis. Switzer earned his bachelor's degree in political science and his law degree from St. Louis University.
###