New MSA cabinet members appointed

By Anna Koeppel

Published Jan. 29, 2008

Missouri Students Association President-elect Jim Kelley announced his and Vice President-elect Chelsea Johnson’s executive cabinet appointments Sunday.

Kelley appointed Billy Eilbracht as director of the Department of Student Communication, College Music Committee Chairwoman Rachel Parrish as director of the Department of Student Activities and Steve Scott as chief of staff. Kelly also re-appointed Jordan Paul as director of the Department of Student Services.

Kelley said he doesn’t see the approval process as a burden.

“It’s an opportunity to talk about the kinds of things they want to do, and the direction they want to go in, and how that fits in with our larger administration goals,” Kelley said.

Eilbracht is a newcomer to MSA who Kelley said will work hard to make long-lasting changes. DSC promotes MSA events, activities and issues through marketing and advertising.

“We need someone creative and innovative with that department,” Kelley said. “Billy has a lot of energy and direction.”

Scott said he considered applying for the chief of staff position when he heard Kelley’s goals for his administration.

“I was excited with where he wanted to go,” Scott said.

Scott is a chairman for Rockin’ Against Multiple Sclerosis and previously served as president of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Scott and Kelley will plan specific goals for the position this week.

Kelley also said DSA is a dynamic organization that requires a director who has extensive experience.

“Rachel has an unbelievable amount of experience,” he said. “Her management style matches with ours very well.”

Parrish said she feels she is qualified for the position of director.

“I enjoy being in a leadership position, and I enjoy DSA,” Parrish said.

Parrish said one of her goals is for the department’s six committees to work together more on the other committees’ events.

“I want to make DSA a more comprehensive team,” she said.

Parrish said she want to partner with other student organizations on events and programming and increase programming for graduate students.

DSA is responsible for planning on-campus activities and entertainment events.

Paul is now serving as DSS director. Paul was appointed DSS director by outgoing MSA President Rachel Anderson last August after Robb Loran resigned from the position in July.

“He has a long history of doing good things in the department,” Kelley said.

Paul said one service he hopes will become available in the next few weeks is a Web site students can visit to learn about how students’ educations are funded.

He named Model Mizzou, a program in which juniors and seniors mentor incoming freshmen; the creation of a Freshman Survival Guide; and the semi-annual MSA Saftey Walk, slated for March, as other projects he hopes to work on this

semester.

“All of our efforts aren’t in vain,” Paul said. “We’ve seen big improvements.”

New chief of staff Scott is another new face in MSA. Kelley said Scott is exceptionally well organized.

“Steve is going to be committed to getting the job done,” Kelley said.

Eilbracht previously served as the Interfraternity Council Vice President of Programming. Eilbracht said he is still learning about the position of director.

“It’s been an accelerated process,” Eilbracht said. “I’m still learning about the position.”

Eilbracht and Kelley will also plan goals for the DSC director position this week.

Kelley said MSA does not suffer from a lack of ideas.

“We just need people to get those things done,” he said.

Kelley also appointed Ian Krause to the Board of Elections Commissioners. He called the appointment a logical choice.

“This is something he’s dedicated to and passionate about,” Kelley said.

Krause previously served as a non-executive member of the BEC.

All four cabinet-level appointees, plus Krause, will go before the Senate Operations Committee tonight for approval. If approved by the committee, they will go before the full Senate on Wednesday for

confirmation.