Parson speech set, makes appointments to his new administration

Gov. Mike Parson listens as a reporter asks a question of him after he was sworn in as the 57th governor of Missouri on Friday, June 1, 2018.
Gov. Mike Parson listens as a reporter asks a question of him after he was sworn in as the 57th governor of Missouri on Friday, June 1, 2018.

Gov. Mike Parson will address a joint session of Missouri lawmakers about 5:05 p.m. Monday.

Parson's office announced the time Wednesday afternoon.

The General Assembly, which still officially is in a 30-day special session that originally was called to consider impeaching now-former Gov. Eric Greitens, will meet beginning at 4 p.m. and pass the resolutions needed for the House and Senate to hold a joint session.

House Communications Director Trevor Fox said last week the speech and the lawmakers' joint session can be scheduled even though they're not part of the special session call because "the governor's address is ceremonial in nature and we do have precedent for allowing procedural or ceremonial actions in past extraordinary sessions (and) veto sessions."

Legislative leaders said last week the joint session would be a chance for lawmakers to hear from the new governor, who took office last Friday after Greitens resigned.

Parson's office didn't announce any specific topics to be covered by Monday's address, but has said people shouldn't expect a long speech like the annual State of the State message.

The speech will be followed by a reception.

Meanwhile, the new governor still is building his staff.

Parson announced several appointments this week:

Marylyn Luetkemeyer as executive assistant to the governor

She also was Parson's executive assistant when he was a state senator and in the lieutenant governor's office. She previously had worked for the late-Carl Vogel when he served in the Senate.

"Marylyn bring over two decades of experience to this office providing professional support for various legislators," Parson said. "Her professionalism, attention to detail, and political savvy sets the standard."

Robert Knodell as deputy chief of staff

"Robert is trusted and respected by many and brings a wealth of experience to this office," Parson said.

Knodell is the former executive director of the House Republican Campaign Committee, former chief of staff for the Missouri House Speaker pro tem, and a former budget and policy advisor to the House Budget chairman.

Justin Alferman as legislative director

Alferman, R-Hermann, resigned from the state House to take the job. His district served northern Osage and Gasconade counties and a part of Franklin County.

He was vice chairman of the House Budget Committee

Parson said: "As a former elected state representative, Justin understands well the importance of government working to serve and protect the interests of the people of Missouri."

Steele Shippy as communications director

Most recently, he was deputy chief of staff for Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft.

His history also includes executive assistant to 2016 Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee and former operations director for Protect the Harvest.

"Steele is fully equipped to lead our office in providing effective communication, better transparency, and being responsive to the citizens of Missouri," Parson said.

Kelli Jones as press secretary

"We take pride in the fact that a well-qualified individual such as Kelli wants to be a member of our staff, benefiting our office, the State Capitol, and the people of Missouri," the governor said.

Until joining the lieutenant governor's office this year, Jones' more than 25-year career included service on the State Technical College of Missouri faculty since 2003, including seven years as chair of the Communication and Social Science Department.

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