Boeyink Resigns as RPI’s Executive Director – Takes Position with Branstad Campaign

TheIowaRepublican.com has learned that the Republican Party of Iowa’s Executive Director, Jeff Boeyink, has resigned his position in order to take a key position with former Governor Terry Branstad’s campaign. Boeyink’s resignation is effective immediately.

Boeyink provides the Branstad campaign with a competent administrator who has a wealth of experience in running state campaigns. Branstad’s gain is the Republican Party of Iowa’s loss. For the second consecutive election cycle, Iowa Republicans have made wholesale changes heading into an election year.

Boeyink is a native of Marshalltown. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Central College and a Masters in Public Administration from Iowa State. Before joining the Republican Party of Iowa, Boeyink was the President of Iowans for Tax Relief.

Update: Boeyink just called TheIowaRepublican.com and confirmed that he is headed to the Branstad campaign. Boeyink said, “I’m excited about joining Governor Branstad’s campaign, this is a tremendous opportunity for Iowa and myself personally.” Boeyink also said, “Matt Strawn in an unbelievable leader for the Republican Party of Iowa. I am proud of the advancements we have made during my time there and confident that Chairman Strawn will hire a top notch executive director.”

The Branstad Campaign released the following statement.

Richard Schwarm today announced the hiring of Jeffrey Boeyink to lead the Terry Branstad 2010 Committee as it continues to explore a possible gubernatorial run by former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.

Schwarm said, “This is the next natural step in our exploratory process as we move from a volunteer effort to the acquisition of professional staff and financial resources to take Terry Branstad 2010 to the next level of effectiveness.”

Boeyink has served as Executive Director of the Republican Party of Iowa (RPI) since last February and resigned yesterday to accept this new position. Prior to joining RPI, Boeyink served as President of Iowans for Tax Relief where he worked for more than two decades.

Schwarm also noted, “This appointment does not signal any change in Terry Branstad’s status as a potential gubernatorial candidate. He continues in his role at Des Moines University and will make his plans known at a future date.”