Governor's Office Deputy Chief of Staff Kelli Jones to Depart for New Opportunity in November

Jefferson City - Governor Mike Parson today announced that his Deputy Chief of Staff, Kelli Jones, will step down from her current role in the Office of the Governor to pursue a new opportunity with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as Deputy Commissioner–Division of Learning Services, effective November 1, 2024. Her last day in the Office of the Governor will be October 31.

"Kelli is one of the most hard-working, talented, energetic, and loyal people I have ever had the honor to meet, let alone work alongside," Governor Parson said. "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."

"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," Deputy Chief of Staff Kelli Jones said. "After first joining him in the Lieutenant Governor’s Office, I am beyond blessed to have worked for the honorable leader, loyal boss, and simply good and decent man who is Governor Parson. With Governor Parson’s leadership, we stabilized Missouri and made remarkable progress in workforce development, education, and infrastructure, all of which will continue serving all Missourians for years to come. I am so proud of Governor Parson and his talented team. They all will forever hold a special place in my heart, but as Governor Parson’s term comes to an end, I still have some fire left in me and am excited to join Dr. Karla Eslinger in continuing to make a positive difference for Missouri families at DESE."

Jones first joined Governor Parson's team when he was Lt. Governor. Upon Governor Parson's elevation to Governor, Jones transitioned to the Office of the Missouri Governor alongside him, serving as Communications Director and later as Deputy Chief of Staff. Her tenure under the Parson administration was marked by significant achievements, including fully funding the K-12 foundation formula every year, increasing educators’ salaries, and enhancing pay for veteran teachers. Missouri also saw historic investments in career and technical education, nearly 65,000 new apprentices, and an almost 30 percent boost in higher education funding.

Jones, a Missouri native, will take with her to DESE over two decades of experience in education. Before joining sate government, she served as a Communications and English Instructor and was the Communications and Social Sciences Department Chair at State Technical College of Missouri. While leading a team of more than a dozen educators, she developed curriculum and standards, managed assessment plans, and taught communication and dual credit courses.

Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in arts and letters and a master’s degree in communication and management from Missouri State University.