Governor-Elect Kehoe announces Mark James as Director of Missouri Department of Public Safety

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — Today, Governor-Elect Mike Kehoe announced the appointment of Mark S. James as Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). James will assume the role of DPS Director effective January 13, 2025, and await Missouri Senate confirmation.

“Mark James brings decades of valuable law enforcement and leadership experience to this role, and we’re going to get to work on day one to bring safety back to our communities,” Governor-Elect Kehoe said. “We need a strong, experienced leader who will be tough on crime, and I am confident Mark will be an excellent leader for the Department of Public Safety.”

A former state and federal law enforcement official, James began his law enforcement career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) in the 48^th recruit class, where he served for nine years, as a uniformed trooper in Greene and Christian Counties and undercover.

James was recruited to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in 1987, eventually rising the ranks to become the Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division when he retired from ATF in 2007. Following his retirement, James continued his public service after being appointed by then-Missouri Governor Matt Blunt as director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety in 2005. In 2010, he became the chancellor of Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Kansas City, while overseeing all aspects of the college, he created its first campus police department and dispatch center.

Most recently, James was appointed by President Donald Trump as the United States Marshal of the Western Judicial District of Missouri, where he spearheaded numerous law enforcement operations that resulted in the arrests of hundreds of state and federal fugitives wanted for violent crimes, including Operation Legend.

“Governor-Elect Kehoe’s vision for public safety will drive the work of the department and its agencies, and I’m honored to have his trust and confidence,” Mark James said. “I look forward to working with the Kehoe Administration, the Missouri legislature, and all of our local, county, state, and federal public safety partners to ensure safety for all Missourians.”

A native of Willow Springs, James studied at the University of Missouri, earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice & Administration from the University of Central Missouri, an M.S. of Strategic Intelligence from the National Intelligence University, completed coursework for Ph.D. in Business Administration, and received a Doctor of Laws from the University of Central Missouri. A headshot of James is attached.

The Department of Public Safety comprises eight different agencies (including two commissions) and five separate programs all committed to ensuring the safety of the citizens of Missouri. Additionally, the Office of the Director administers the Homeland Security Program and state and federal funds in grants for juvenile justice, victims’ assistance, law enforcement and narcotics control.

Other programs in the Director’s Office provide support services and resources to assist local law enforcement agencies and to provide training criteria and licensing for law enforcement officers.

The Office of Governor-Elect will continue to announce Cabinet member appointments in the coming weeks. Those interested in serving in the Kehoe Administration may visit Governor-Elect.mo.gov to submit an application to serve in the administration or on a board or commission.

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