Adam Nickas, political director of the Tennessee Republican Party, will serve as the state party's new executive director, officials announced this morning.

"Republicans made historic gains in Tennessee last year and Adam's strategic work as political director was a large part of the success we had," state Republican party Chairman Chris Devaney said in a news release. "Adam's prior experience at the party will bring continuity to his new role, which is a big plus going into this next crucial election year of 2012."

As political director, Nickas, 25, managed the statewide field staff, helped coordinate the direct mail program, and managed the campaign plans and strategy for several state house races, the news release stated.

As executive director, Nickas will manage the political operations of the Tennessee Republican Party and will continue to oversee communications.

"Working at the Tennessee Republican Party has been one of the most fulfilling jobs," Nickas said in the news release. "I appreciate Chairman Devaney's confidence in me to assume this critical role as Executive Director."

Before serving as political director at the Tennessee Republican Party, Nickas served as political director for Bill Gibbons'' campaign for governor in Tennessee, the news release stated.

He also previously worked on the campaigns of Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander, Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign in Iowa, Haley Barbour's re-election campaign in Mississippi, among others.

Nickas attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he studied journalism and electronic media and graduated from the University of Memphis with a bachelor's degree in political science. Nickas is a native of Germantown, Tennessee.