Governor’s deputy chief of staff to become DESE deputy commissioner

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The deputy chief of staff for Gov. Mike Parson’s Office will take on a new role on Nov. 1, according to a Wednesday press release from the office.

Kelli Jones – who joined Parson’s team while he was the lieutenant governor – will step down from her position on Oct. 31 and will become a deputy commissioner for the Division of Learning Services for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education on Nov. 1, the release says.

"As I embark on this new chapter of life and reminisce on nearly a decade with Governor Parson, navigating crisis after crisis and celebrating win after win, I can't help but smile at the opportunity God has given me with the support of my family," Jones said in the release.

The release says Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in arts and letters and a master’s degree in communication and management from Missouri State University. She has more than two decades of experience in education, the release says. She was previous served as a communications and English instructor and was the communications and social sciences department chair at State Technical College of Missouri, the release says.

"Kelli is one of the most hard-working, talented, energetic, and loyal people I have every had the honor to meet, let alone work alongside," Parson said in the release. "She's our office's head coach and cheerleader all wrapped up in one. She leads with faith and family at the forefront and inspires our team, and me, each and every day. While our office will be saying goodbye to an accomplished leader, a devoted public servant, and a trusted mentor to many, I take comfort in knowing her passion for youth education and Missouri families will be well utilized at DESE. Kelli is truly one of a kind, and Teresa and I are proud to know her and call her a friend. We wish Kelli the absolute best in all that comes next for her and her family."

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