Thursday, July 27, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces Ken McClure’s Resignation as Chief of Staff
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today accepted the resignation of Ken McClure as his chief of staff. McClure has been named the new Associate Vice President for Administrative Services at Missouri State University and will begin his duties in that position on Aug. 28.
“Ken has played an invaluable role in our efforts to get Missouri back on the right track and I am grateful for his service to the people of our state, his friendship and wise counsel,” Blunt said. “I know he will excel in his new position at Missouri State and that he looks forward to the opportunity to return to Springfield to work for his alma mater.”
As Chief of Staff McClure, 55, played a key role in helping Blunt select a cabinet and implement policies that reversed Missouri's bleak economic state and made education the true number one priority of state government.
Through responsible budgeting and effective management with a priority on maximizing resources for taxpayers, Blunt turned the $1.1 billion dollar budget deficit he inherited into a surplus in just two years. The governor is also delivering on a key campaign promise to deliver more money to Missouri schools every year he is in office.
Blunt also led the effort to change the name of Southwest Missouri State University to Missouri State University and provided a significant funding increase, $20 million, to Missouri's four-year colleges and universities in his Fiscal Year 2007 budget.
McClure said he was honored to be a part of Blunt's effort to bring landmark change to state government and greatly enjoyed his time on the governor's staff and his role as an advisor during his campaign.
“I appreciate the confidence the Governor has placed in me over the years and the opportunity he gave me to return to public service as his Chief of Staff,” McClure said. “Moving onto Missouri State is the right opportunity at the right time for me and my family and I look forward to my new responsibilities as the Associate Vice President for Administrative Services.”
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