For the first time since John Hancosk stepped down in 2003, the Missouri Republican Party has an Executive Director. Jared Craighead, who has been serving as Governor Matt Blunt’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Public and Federal Affairs, has been named to the post. Prior to joining the Governor’s office, Craighead served in several positions in Washington, D.C., including that of special assistant to Congressman Roy Blunt. Hancock remains a senior political consultant to the Missouri GOP.