Blunt appoints new personnel director

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Gov. Matt Blunt said Tuesday that he had appointed a new state personnel director.

Blunt chose Chester White, 50, of Jefferson City, to replace Alma McKinney as director of the Office of Administration's Division of Personnel. White donated $1,200 to Blunt's campaign in September 2004, records show.

Blunt asked the Personnel Advisory Board to submit five candidates to him to consider for the job, spokeswoman Jessica Robinson said. McKinney was asked to apply to keep the position, but Robinson said she initially applied, then later withdrew her name from the running.

Her last day was Friday, and White started Monday.