JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson is heading into his final year in office with two of his agencies headed by acting directors.
And, the office that typically vets top aides to the governor also is being headed by a fill-in after its director departed last month.
But, the Republican chief executive signaled he’s in no rush to fill those posts as state departments gear up for the legislative session and the annual budgeting process.
At the Missouri Department of Economic Development, Michelle Hataway has been serving as acting director since Maggie Kost left the top post in June to focus on bringing jobs to the ºüÀêÊÓƵ region.
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At the Missouri Department of Corrections, Parson elevated the agency’s budget director, Trevor Foley, to replace Anne Precythe, who is retiring after leading the prison system for six years.
Parson spokesman Johnathan Shiflett said those appointments are working well so far.
“Governor Parson has the utmost confidence in Acting Director Hataway’s and Acting Director Foley’s leadership and is satisfied with their exceptional service to Missourians in their current capacities for the foreseeable future,†Shiflett said.
Meantime, another top aide has taken over the duties of a job vacated last month by Kyle Aubuchon, who left to work for Republican Sen. Jason Bean, who represents a swatch of Missouri’s Bootheel region.
“Deputy Chief of Staff Kelli Jones is leading boards and commissions efforts for our office in the interim as we consider options for a more permanent solution,†Shiflett said.
The current shake-up is not a surprise as the governor enters his final year in office. Aides, knowing their jobs could end when the governor’s term is complete in January 2024, often begin looking for new jobs.
Hataway has been at Economic Development for more than seven years, serving as a regional manager in the department and deputy director.
“Michelle is a valued leader at DED, and we are excited to see her take on this new role,†Parson said when he announced her new post.
Foley started his career as a budget analyst for Corrections in 2000. He also worked as a budget analyst for the Missouri Senate before returning to Corrections in 2018.
“I’m grateful to Governor Parson for this opportunity to take on a new role in my service to the state of Missouri,†Foley said. “I will continue to advocate for the interests of corrections staff, the safety of our communities and the needs of the people we serve.â€