Governor Kelly Announces Staff Changes

TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that Keira Beatty, Antonio Martinez, and Patrick Kelly III are joining the Kelly administration to serve as deputy communications director, cabinet affairs coordinator, and paralegal respectively.

“I am confident that Keira’s, Antonio’s, and Patrick’s skills and experiences will make them strong additions to my team,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “I look forward to working with them as they begin these new roles.”

Beatty joins the Kelly administration after serving as program coordinator at the Barbara Lee Family Foundation. Previously, she was an intern on Governor Kelly’s 2018 campaign and inauguration. Beatty earned bachelor’s degrees in peace and conflict studies and English from Colgate University and a master’s degree in political communication from Emerson College.

Martinez is joining the Kelly administration after serving as Washburn University’s student body president and as a student advisory committee member for the Kansas Board of Regents. Prior to this, he was a community navigator coordinator for the United Way of Kaw Valley. Martinez is currently pursuing a degree in health science at Washburn University.

Kelly III is joining the Kelly administration after serving as a litigation paralegal for the Kansas Department for Children and Families. Previously, he was a patient services representative at Heartland Medical Clinic. Kelly III earned associate’s degrees in general sciences and liberal arts from Johnson County Community College and holds a certificate in paralegal studies from the University of Oklahoma.