Miyares announces staff changes in attorney general’s office

Attorney General Jason Miyares recently announced leadership changes within his office.

The shuffle was prompted by the departure of chief of staff Klarke Kilgore, who will assume the role of senior advisor at the Republican Attorneys General Association. Kilgore served as chief of staff for just under a year, first taking the role last June.

“One of the many honors I have held throughout my career is to be surrounded by excellent and selfless professionals,” Miyares said in a press release. “Klarke Kilgore has been a great asset to our team. His judgment and advice have been invaluable, and I am grateful for his leadership and dedication.”

Ryan Ferguson assumed the role of chief of staff on April 28, after serving as director of administration. He will also continue to hold his role as general counsel, which he has held since 2022. Before joining the attorney general’s office, Ferguson practiced at Kaufman & Canoles and Bischoff Martingayle. He also served as an assistant commonwealth’s attorney in Virginia Beach.

Effective May 10, Shaun Kenney assumed the role of senior advisor. Kenney was previously the office’s director of communications. He’s also a former executive director of the Republican Party of Virginia.

Chloe Smith replaces Kenney as director of communications. Smith joined the Miyares administration in August 2022 and served as press secretary and deputy director of communications.