The Lehigh County Republican Committee has chosen Ben B. Long as its new executive director.

Long served as the 2014 summer intern.

Committee Chairman Bill Heydt, the former mayor of Allentown, said he was impressed with Long's work.

"Because of his hard work in organizing the Lehigh County Republican office, his enthusiasm for Republican principles, his promoting of the Republican Party, and working with various political campaigns over the past few years, I am convinced he will be a valuable asset to our team as we move forward during the upcoming elections," Heydt said.

Long, a 2012 graduate of Parkland High School, said he looks forward to the days ahead as he works with the committee.

"I want to personally thank Chairman Heydt and the entire Executive Committee of the LCRC for my appointment as executive director," Long said. "I look forward to working with all Republicans to inspire an even more consolidated and unified Republican Party in realizing its full potential.

"With critical elections just around the corner, it is imperative that we work together in electing Republicans across Lehigh County."

Long, 21, resides in South Whitehall Township, where he was recently appointed to the South Whitehall Township Safety Commission.

He is also vice chair of the Lehigh Valley Young Republicans.

He is a junior political science major at DeSales University, Center Valley.