Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Contact: Spence Jackson, (573)751-1378
Blunt Names Five to Serve in Governor's Office
JEFFERSON CITY - Gov. -elect Matt Blunt made five key appointments to his gubernatorial staff today, naming Ken McClure as his chief of staff, Rob Monsees as the deputy chief of staff for policy, John Russell as the deputy chief of staff for administration, Lynne Angle as the director of operations and constituent services and Carolyn Loethen as the director of scheduling. McClure, a Springfield, Mo., native, has been serving as Blunt's transition director since Nov. 4. McClure will leave his position as the associate general manager-administration of City Utilities of Springfield to become Blunt's chief of staff. McClure is a past chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission and enjoyed a successful 23-year career in state government before going to work for City Utilities.
"Ken McClure is a proven and effective manager who understands both the opportunities and the problems facing our diverse state," Blunt said. "I am pleased that he has accepted this new challenge and I look forward to his contributions to our effort to move Missouri forward in the important role of chief of staff."
Monsees is a Sedalia, Mo., native who currently resides in Columbia. Monsees worked as the director of operations on Blunt's campaign for governor and as the policy director for the majority caucus in the Missouri State Senate from 2001 to 2004. He has also worked on the Washington D.C. staffs of Senator Kit Bond and Congressman Kenny Hulshof.
Russell, a Lebanon, Mo., native, worked as the deputy director of administration on Blunt's campaign for governor. Russell will oversee scheduling, constituent services and boards and commissions in the governor's office.
Angle resides in Jefferson City and has spent the last four years serving as the director of administrative rules in the Missouri secretary of state's office. Loethen, a St. Thomas, Mo., native, has worked in Blunt's Capitol office for the last four years, the last two as scheduler.
"I am pleased that these five talented individuals have agreed to serve in my administration," Blunt said. "Each one brings experience, energy and a strong commitment to serving the people of Missouri to their respective positions. As we work to lead Missouri in a new direction, their insight and dedication will be a tremendous asset to our efforts."
McClure, Monsees, Russell, Angle and Loethen will join Legislative Director Chuck Pryor in the governor's office. Since Nov. 2, Blunt has also nominated Trish Vincent to head the Department of Revenue, Mike Keathley to serve as commissioner of the Office of Administration, Jeff Davis to serve as the chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission and Dan Ross to serve as the chief information officer in the Office of Administration.