Why It Matters
Missouri’s Office of Administration oversees critical state infrastructure—from budget management and purchasing to payroll and accounting systems used across virtually every state agency. The appointment signals how Governor Mike Kehoe is reshaping his cabinet and addressing long-standing challenges within state government operations.
What Happened
Governor Kehoe announced Friday that Kurt Schaefer, current director of the Department of Natural Resources, will become Commissioner of Administration. Schaefer, a Columbia-based attorney and Republican, replaces Ken Zellers, who is retiring effective September 4.
Schaefer’s appointment to the commissioner role comes after he took over the DNR directorship at the start of Kehoe’s administration last year. Jake Buxton, deputy director of natural resources, has been named to assume Schaefer’s position as DNR director. Both appointments require state Senate confirmation.
Kehoe stated that “Kurt is a well-respected and valuable member of the cabinet, and his background and experience in both the public and private sectors will serve him well as (he) takes on the work ahead,” according to the announcement, as first reported by the Missouri Independent.
By the Numbers
2008 — Year Schaefer was elected to Missouri’s state Senate
2 — Terms Schaefer served in the state Senate
2016 — Year Schaefer ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for attorney general
2024 — Year Schaefer ran unsuccessfully for a U.S. House seat; also the year his registered lobbyist status ended
2017 to 2024 — Period during which Schaefer was registered as a lobbyist
2021 — Year Ken Zellers began as Commissioner of Administration
Zoom Out
The Office of Administration manages systems and services that touch nearly every corner of state government. The office has faced persistent operational challenges, particularly surrounding Missouri’s decades-old state accounting system, which has proven difficult to maintain. Efforts to implement a modernized accounting system have encountered problems, with the total cost to make the new system fully operational still uncertain.
Leadership transitions at this level often signal an administration’s priorities. Kehoe’s decision to move Schaefer into the administration role suggests a focus on streamlining state operations and addressing infrastructure challenges that affect multiple agencies.
What’s Next
Both Schaefer’s appointment as Commissioner of Administration and Buxton’s appointment as DNR director must be confirmed by the Missouri state Senate. Zellers’ departure on September 4 creates urgency for confirmation to ensure continuity in managing the state’s administrative and financial operations.