Gov.-elect Matt Blunt lures CU exec to Jefferson City

“Ken McClure is a proven and effective manager who understands both the opportunities and the problems facing our diverse state,” Blunt said in a news release. “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.”

McClure will probably leave his position with CU right after the governor’s inauguration, according to CU general manager John Twitty. Whether one of CU’s top spots will be filled is undecided.

“As we would with any vacancy in the company, we’ll be evaluating the organizational issues that arise as a result of Ken’s leaving, and hopefully make some really good decisions for the company,” Twitty said. “We’ll move right along as if Ken were still here.”

Twitty said that CU will evaluate the company’s managerial structure to determine whether the associate general manager position is being utilized properly.

McClure previously served as head of the transition team for Blunt, during his move into the office of Missouri Secretary of State. McClure also will lead Blunt’s transition into the governor’s office. Blunt will be sworn in as Missouri’s 54th governor in January 2005.

McClure’s new position should result in a considerable drop in pay. McClure’s current job, associate general manager – administration, pays between $138,119 and $172,518, while the chief of staff for Gov. Holden, Jane Dueker, makes approximately $95,000, according to the Missouri Official State Manual.

McClure is among several key figures Blunt has named to his gubernatorial staff since November. Other appointments:

• Rob Monsees, of Sedalia, will serve as deputy chief of staff for policy;

• John Russell, a native of Lebanon, Mo., will be deputy chief of staff for administration;

• Jefferson City’s Lynne Angle will serve as director of operations and constituent services;

• Carolyn Loethen, of St. Thomas, Mo., will be director of scheduling;

• Trish Vincent, of Jefferson City, will head the Department of Revenue;

• Mike Keathley, a Dexter native, will

be commissioner of the Office of Administration;

• Jeff Davis, a Braggadocio native who lives in Jefferson City, has been named chairman of the Missouri Public Service Commission; and

• Dan Ross, of Jefferson City, will serve as chief information officer in the office of administration.

• Chuck Pryor, a Liberty native, will serve as legislative director.