TOPEKA — Kansas Gov.-elect Laura Kelly has picked a federal prosecutor to serve as her office’s top attorney and filled other key staff positions.
The incoming Democratic governor announced Tuesday that Clay Britton will be her chief counsel. He has worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in Kansas since October 2016 and previously was an assistant Kansas attorney general and attorney in private practice.
Haley Pollock will serve as Kelly’s policy director. She worked for Kansas Action for Children and managed Democrat Paul Davis’ unsuccessful campaign last year in the 2nd Congressional District of eastern Kansas.
Cory Sheedy will serve be Kelly’s legislative director after working as the Kansas House minority leader’s chief of staff.
Communications consultant and longtime environmental activist Scott Allegrucci will be Kelly’s appointments director.
Kelly announced Tuesday that Roger Werholtz will be interim secretary of corrections. Werholtz was secretary from 2002 to 2010.
She also said Maj. Gen. Lee Tafanelli will remain as adjutant general to ensure a smooth transition in his department. The adjutant oversees the Emergency Management Division and commands the Kansas National Guard.
Kelly said Lt. Col. and Dr. Lee Norman will serve as interim secretary of health and environment. He is the Army’s medical liaison to the adjutant general.
Kelly takes office Monday.
