Governor's Office Chief of Staff Aaron Willard to Transition to Senior Advisor Role

Jefferson City - Governor Mike Parson today announced that effective September 1, 2024, his Chief of Staff, Aaron Willard, will step back from his day-to-day duties and assume the role of Senior Advisor to the Office of Governor in a part-time capacity. Mr. Willard has served as Governor Parson's Chief of Staff since the Governor was sworn into office in June 2018.

"Aaron has been loyal and my right hand man since literally day one. I'm never one to say someone is irreplaceable but Aaron's unique leadership qualities and intelligence coupled with his heart for public service comes the closest I've seen," Governor Parson said. "Crisis after crisis and win after win, Aaron was always in the fight, helping me lead our Governor's Office team, our Cabinet, 48,000 state employees, and over 6 million Missourians across our great state. With Aaron by my side, our team has been made better; our state government has been made better; and Missouri has been made better. While this isn't goodbye, I offer a heartfelt thank you for his more than six years of committed, steadfast leadership as my Chief of Staff and wish him the absolute best as he gets to spend more well-deserved time with his family."

"Six years ago, I agreed to help the Governor because I believed it would be one of the most challenging and pivotal times for our state. However, what made it uniquely special was the quality, character, and integrity of the Governor himself and the immensely talented and dedicated team in the Governor’s office and across our Cabinet,” Chief of Staff Aaron Willard said. “I am unbelievably proud of how this administration handled and responded to never before seen crisis and set new standards across every state agency. We also unquestionably provided more opportunities to educate children and train our workforce as well as make transformational investments in the states’ infrastructure across every region. As we prepare to wind down our administration and prepare for the next one, now is an opportunity for me to spend more time with my beautiful wife and daughters as we begin to think about what comes next for our family. This has been one of the most consequential Republican administrations in Missouri history, and I thank Governor and First Lady Parson for allowing me to be part of it in service to all Missourians."

In his converted role, Mr. Willard will continue to advise Governor Parson on matters as they relate to the function of the Governor's Office, the Executive Cabinet, and the pending gubernatorial transition after the November 5 General Elections.

Mr. Willard has served in various capacities within Missouri state government and state politics for the last 20 years. Immediately prior to joining Governor Parson's Administration, Mr. Willard served as the Acting Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce.