MSU chief of staff joins private industry

A leader at Missouri State University since 2011 has exited for a job as a named partner at a government relations firm.

Effective Jan. 1, Ryan DeBoef joined Hahn | O’Daniel Government Relations, which became Hahn | DeBoef Government Relations upon his entrance to the firm, according to a news release. The Jefferson City-based firm is registered with the Missouri secretary of state under Hahn DeBoef LLC.

"We’re committed to developing meaningful, genuine relationships with decision-makers and providing our clients with the most effective access to the legislature and executive agencies,” said Jay Hahn, managing partner of the firm, in the release. “Anyone that has seen Ryan in action as an attorney or as a lobbyist knows his work ethic is relentless. Ryan has built a strong reputation in the Capitol through his 14 years of experience in public service, and I’m confident Ryan’s background will advance our firm’s pursuit to be the best.”

Whit O’Daniel is retiring from the firm after a multiyear search for its next partner.

"Professionally I have had the opportunity to work with Ryan, and I am pleased that Ryan has been selected as the new named partner to advance the firm to the next level while preserving the cornerstones of the firm: hard work, powerful results and top-notch service," O'Daniel said in the release.

DeBoef said he's excited to bring his experience to the "impressive and thriving operation" built at Hahn | O’Daniel during the past 15 years.

“Bringing forward my executive experience and record of governmental success during my time as chief of staff at Missouri State University will be paramount to achieve the best results for our clients," DeBoef said in the release.

At MSU, DeBoef was promoted to chief of staff and assistant to the president for government relations in 2014. He started as legal counsel in the office of general counsel.

With Hahn | DeBoef Government Relations, DeBoef will continue to represent the university as part of the contract lobbying team, according to a separate news release from MSU.

“Ryan has been a tremendous advocate for Missouri State, successfully representing MSU in Jeff City on both policy and capital appropriations,” MSU President Clif Smart said in the release. “I am excited for him as he moves in a new direction. I know he will continue to be a force in the state of Missouri.”

Smart has started the search for DeBoef's successor at MSU.