Governor Kehoe Announces Seven Gubernatorial Appointments
DECEMBER 19, 2025
Jefferson City — William Eckart, of Gravois Mills, was appointed to the Elevator Safety Board.
Mr. Eckart has over 40 years of experience in elevator and escalator service and repairs. He currently works as a technical compliance corporate auditor at Schindler Elevator Corporation and previously served as an adjuster for the same company in Kansas City. He holds an Elevator Supervisor Class 1 certificate from the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities and from the City of Kansas City.
Steve Hodge, of Sikeston, was appointed to the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.
Mr. Hodge has been employed by Southeast Missouri Residential Services (SEMORS) since 2000. His interest in the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council stems from his desire to help others with developmental disabilities. Hodge graduated from Doniphan High School.
Michelle Luster, of St. Louis, was reappointed to the Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners.
Luster is a licensed educator and cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience in the industry. She previously served as the owner and operator of Alternative Nail Salon and Spa for over 18 years and taught as an instructor for several years. Luster earned her cosmetology license from Debado’s Hair Academy, her cosmetology educator’s license from Elaine Steven Beauty College, and her associate's degree and teaching certification from Harris-Stowe State University.
Eddie Sargent, of Lee’s Summit, was appointed to the Elevator Safety Board.
Mr. Sargent served as a mechanic for KONE, Inc. before being elected to serve as business manager of the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC) Local #12. He holds a Missouri State Elevator License and has over 28 years of elevator experience in service, repair, and construction.
David Scott, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Elevator Safety Board.
Mr. Scott serves as the business representative of the IUEC Local #3. In addition to his work with Local #3, he is the director of the St. Louis Building Trades Wellness Coalition. He maintains elevator mechanic licenses in both Missouri and Illinois. Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Fontbonne University.
Craig Stevenson, of Hallsville, was reappointed to the Missouri State Foster Care and Adoption Board.
Mr. Stevenson is the director of policy and advocacy for Kids Win Missouri. He previously served as the associate director of the Mozambique Initiative for the Missouri Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is an active member of his community, serving on the stewardship committee for the Centralia United Methodist Church and as president of the board of education for the Hallsville R-IV Public School District. Stevenson earned his bachelor's degree in political science and his master's degree in public affairs from the University of Missouri.
David Williams, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Board of Probation and Parole.
Mr. Williams was a member of the Jefferson City Police Department, where he served for 33 years before retiring as a captain in 2025. He remains an active member of his community, serving on boards for Special Learning Center and Multipli Credit Union. Williams is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Class #231. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice from Columbia College.
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Governor Kehoe, Budget Leadership Announce FY 2027 Consensus Revenue Estimate
DECEMBER 17, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe, along with Senate Appropriations Chairman Rusty Black and House Budget Chairman Dirk Deaton, announced Missouri's Consensus Revenue Estimate (CRE) for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027).
The annual CRE is a figure established by state budget experts and economists from the University of Missouri and Missouri State University. It serves as one of the foundational assumptions the Governor and Missouri General Assembly use to build a balanced budget.
"We appreciate the work of our state budget team, House and Senate leaders, and our university economic experts in developing this revenue estimate to guide our budget for the next fiscal year," said Governor Kehoe. "As Governor, I have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget. While Missouri's economy remains strong and solid revenues are expected, the FY2027 budget will be challenging. Spending, not revenues, is the problem facing state government. We look forward to presenting the legislature with a responsible budget that reflects our commitment to fiscal discipline and a long-term vision for growth."
The key figure in the CRE is the projected general revenue collections. Net general revenue collections in FY2027 are expected to be $13.65 billion. This represents a 3.8 percent net general revenue growth over the estimated revenue for FY2026.
The revised estimate for FY2026, the current fiscal year, assumes a 2.1 percent decrease to $13.15 billion in net general revenue collections.
"Reaching a consensus revenue estimate is an important step in the budget process," said Senator Black, Senate Appropriations Chairman. "Once the Governor submits his budget, the Senate will diligently evaluate the proposal and work to develop a fiscally responsible budget that reflects the priorities of Missourians."
"This past session, we were proud to support critical programs and initiatives while also delivering much-needed tax relief for Missouri families, but any spending does not come without budgetary consequences,” said Representative Deaton, House Budget Chairman. "The House stands ready to work with the Governor and the Senate to deliver a sustainable budget for the people of Missouri."
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.
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Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of St. Charles County Ambulance District Lieutenant Sarah McCarthy
DECEMBER 16, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, in honor of St. Charles County Ambulance District Lieutenant Sarah McCarthy, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered the U.S. and Missouri flags to be flown at half-staff at government buildings in St. Charles County and at every emergency medical service station in Missouri on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from sunrise to sunset.
"Lieutenant Sarah McCarthy was a dedicated first responder who spent 23 years serving patients in need as a paramedic with the St. Charles County Ambulance District," Governor Kehoe said. "Paramedics and emergency responders courageously and selflessly devote their lives to ensuring the safety and well-being of their fellow citizens, and Sarah will be remembered for her unwavering compassion for her community. Claudia and I are keeping Sarah's family, her first responder colleagues, and all who loved her in our prayers."
On November 21, Lieutenant McCarthy suffered chest pain while on-duty at St. Charles County Ambulance District Station 12 in St. Peters and was taken by colleagues via ambulance to Missouri Baptist Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. On December 4, she suffered a grave setback in her recovery and was transferred to Barnes Hospital St. Louis, where she passed peacefully on December 9 with her family by her side. As a final act of service to others, Lieutenant McCarthy gave the gift of organ donation through Mid America Transplant.
Flags will be flown at half-staff on the day Lieutenant McCarthy is laid to rest. To view the Governor’s proclamation, click here.
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Governor Kehoe Signs Executive Order 25-36 Suspending Hours of Service Requirements for Residential Heating Fuel Transportation
DECEMBER 15, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-36 temporarily suspending the hours of service regulations for commercial motor vehicles transporting residential heating fuel in Missouri.
"Significant disruptions on the pipeline distribution system that supplies Missouri with critical heating fuel has resulted in transporters needing to travel farther to secure product for Missourians," said Governor Mike Kehoe. "During a time when Missourians rely on heating fuel the most, we want to ensure we're doing all we can to assist with these challenging supply issues to keep homes and businesses warm."
Executive Order 25-36 temporarily suspends regulations for motor carriers transporting residential heating fuel such as propane, natural gas, and heating oil. No other petroleum products or fuels are covered under the order.
The executive order maintains all other regulations and safety requirements associated with commercial transportation. The order will take effect immediately, and remain in effect until January 2, 2026, unless otherwise extended.
To view Executive Order 25-36, click here.
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Governor Kehoe Announces Two Gubernatorial Appointments
DECEMBER 12, 2025
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced two gubernatorial appointments.
G. David Briggs, of Kirksville, was appointed as the Schuyler County Prosecuting Attorney.
Mr. Briggs currently serves as the interim prosecuting attorney for Schuyler County and will continue to serve as the appointed Scotland County prosecuting attorney. He has been a member of the Missouri Bar Association and the Adair County Bar Association for over 25 years. He also previously served as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Briggs earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri and his Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law.
Tonya Hillhouse, of Pemiscot, was appointed as the Pemiscot County Circuit Clerk.
Ms. Hillhouse is a court clerk for the Pemiscot County Circuit Clerk's Office. With over 25 years of government experience, she has also served as a clerical assistant and caseworker for the Missouri Department of Social Services. In addition to her professional career, she is also an active member of the Caruthersville Chamber of Commerce. Hillhouse received her Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist certificate from State Technical College.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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