An experienced fundraiser and former executive director of two nonprofit Nebraska foundations has been named the new executive director of the Nebraska Republican Party.

Party officials announced Robert “Bud” Synhorst as the new director. State GOP Chairman J.L. Spray says Synhorst had been active in Republican politics for many years.

Synhorst is a past executive director of the Mary Lanning Healthcare Foundation and formerly was executive director for the Metropolitan Community College foundation in Omaha. He also has served as athletic development officer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Synhorst succeeds Jordan McGrain, who stepped down earlier this year as state Republican executive director.