State Rep. Julie Emerson named Gov. Landry’s new chief of staff

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Governor Jeff Landry has announced his new chief of staff.

According to the governor’s office, Landry has named State Representative Julie Emerson to the position. She is expected to take over as chief of staff on the week of Sunday, Feb. 15.

Emersen is replacing Kyle Ruckert, who served as Landry’s chief of staff for two years and also worked as the executive director of the governor’s transition committee. Ruckert recently revealed he was named chairman of Protect Louisiana Values, which is an advocacy organization that supports the governor’s policy agenda.

RELATED: Landry’s former chief of staff named chairman of advocacy group

Emerson is set to begin serving as Landry’s chief of staff the week of Sunday, Feb. 15.

“Julie Emerson is a proven leader with a deep understanding of Louisiana’s people, our state legislature, and the work that needs to be done to move Louisiana forward,” Governor Landry explained. “Her experience and commitment to conservative reform makes her the perfect person to help lead this administration as we continue fighting for a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Louisiana.”

Emerson has represented House District 39 for three terms at the Louisiana State Capitol. Voters first elected her to the legislature in 2015. According to the governor’s office, she most recently served as chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, becoming the first woman in state history to chair a finance committee.

“The last two years have produced some of the boldest reforms Louisiana has ever seen—reforms that have led us to climb in education rankings, business friendliness, and economic growth, Emerson said. “I’m honored to have been a part of many of these reforms as a legislator, and I look forward to continuing to grow Louisiana as Governor Landry’s chief of staff.”

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