JEFFERSON CITY, MO (News First) – Governor Parson has announced that Missouri Department of Social Services Director Robert Knodell will step down after Governor Parson’s term in office on January 13th. After serving three years as DSS Director, Knodell has accepted the opportunity to be the City Manager of Poplar Bluff, his hometown. A news release from the governor’s office says since Knodell’s appointment by the governor in 2021, Knodell has made significant strides in empowering Missourians to lead safe, healthy and productive lives.
He has focused on advocating for workforce compensation, collaborating closely with the Parson Administration and the General Assembly to secure historic pay raises for team members, increasing shift differentials for those working evening and overnight shifts, and implementing innovative workplace solutions. Additionally, he has successfully expedited crucial technology updates and departmental projects, aiming to replace outdated systems to manage workloads more efficiently and enhance services for over two million Missourians.
