Schoeller lands state GOP's top post

The Missouri Republican Party has named former state Rep. Shane Schoeller its executive director.

Schoeller, who had served as a Republican representative from Willard and unsuccessfully ran for secretary of state last year, was selected after a nationwide search of 45 applicants, according to a news release.

“Shane is a passionate and articulate messenger for the Republican Party," Missouri GOP Chairman Ed Martin said in the release. "He knows politics and understands the state, and he will bring to the party an invaluable knowledge of the General Assembly."

During his three terms in the state House, Schoeller served two years as speaker pro tem. The release pointed to his grassroots, political and elective experience.

“We must effectively communicate to all Missourians that our best days are ahead by electing Republicans committed to economic growth and prosperity for our state and our nation," Schoeller said in the release. "Together, we can build on our historic veto-proof majorities in the Missouri General Assembly, retain our clear majority in our federal congressional delegation and restore Republican leadership in Missouri’s statewide offices.”

It was rumored last year Schoeller might be up for the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield CEO post, after the exit of Matt Morrow. Schoeller worked under Morrow as the local HBA’s director of government affairs 2004–06. The HBA post ultimately went to Gloria Roling.