COLUMBIA, S.C. - Scott Malyerck has been named executive director of the South Carolina Republican Party.

Party officials announced Monday the state's executive committee voted unanimously for Malyerck, who took over as interim director in April.

Malyerck replaces Luke Byars, who stepped down to work as state director for U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C.

Malyerck has served as director of the New Hampshire Republican Party between 1987 and 1989. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina.