ST. PAUL (AP) – The Republican Party of Minnesota has named a new executive director – Ben Golnik, who had been the party’s political director since April.

Golnik previously worked as the Vermont Republican Party’s executive director. His experience also includes working as a legislative aide to U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, and managing the congressional campaign for Brian Hamel, a Republican who was defeated by U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud in Maine’s 2nd District.

Golnik was born in Detroit, grew up in the Orlando, Fla., area, and is a graduate of Middlebury College.

He was appointed Vermont’s executive director in 2003 after using his vacation time in 2002 to work for the election of James Douglas and Brian Dubie.