Senator Eric Schmitt Announces Key Staff

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt announced key staff hirings in his office.

“In order to best serve Missourians as a United States Senator, it’s imperative that my office has a dedicated and experienced staff. Today, I’m proud to announce that my office has filled in key roles with seasoned individuals that will advance the interests of Missourians and ensure that my office runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.  

Jimmy Peacock will serve as Chief of Staff. Peacock previously served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, and managed her successful campaign against Abby Finkenauer. Prior to that, Peacock worked as Special Assistant to Ed Gillespie during his gubernatorial race and to Senator Marco Rubio in his Senate office.

Ashley Schulte will serve as State Director. Schulte previously served as Digital Director for Chairwoman Elise Stefanik and as a digital strategist for the Republican Governors Association, while also working as a consultant for The Prosper Group. Schulte resides in Kansas City, Missouri.

Meghan McCann will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff. McCann recently served as a Special Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel in the Trump Administration and previously worked in the offices of Representatives Ann Wagner and Billy Long. McCann is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.

Andrew Dziedzic will serve as Legislative Director. Dziedzic served as Chief of Staff in the Missouri State Treasurer’s Office under Schmitt, served as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Attorney General’s Office under Schmitt, and also served as Policy Director for the Schmitt for Senate campaign. Dziedzic is originally from St. Charles, Missouri.

Chris Nuelle will serve as Communications Director. Nuelle served as Senator Schmitt’s Press Secretary during his tenure as Attorney General, and previously served as Communications Director for the Missouri Republican Party. Nuelle is originally from St. Louis, Missouri.

Marianna Deal will serve as Senior Advisor for External Communications. Before serving as Communications Director in the Attorney General’s Office, Deal spent several decades at public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard as a corporate and crisis counselor for major businesses and organizations, and also served as Press Secretary for the late Congressman Bill Emerson. Deal is originally from Sikeston, Missouri. 

Justin Smith will serve as Senior Advisor. Smith previously served as Chief of Staff and First Assistant Attorney General to Schmitt in the Attorney General’s Office. Before that, Smith worked for the law firm Shook, Hardy and Bacon, and previously held several positions in state government, including at the Missouri Department of Agriculture. He and his family reside in New Bloomfield, Missouri.  

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