The Republican Party of Minnesota, facing a $2 million debt incurred by its previous leadership, has a new secretary-treasurer: Bron Scherer.

An accountant, he's the CFO of Protein Sources and Protein Sources-Milling in Mapleton, a business he founded. He's been active in state Republican politics.

Scherer will serve until the party's state central committee elects a new secretary-treasurer in May.

He replaces David Sturrock, who resigned after news of the party's debt was disclosed.

Scherer's appointment was announced by new party Chairman Pat Shortridge, who took over last month after Tony Sutton resigned abruptly.

Shortridge said in a statement:

“We look forward to working with Bron in the days ahead as we move the state party forward. Bron’s strong financial experience and commitment to our Party’s values will be crucial as we work to get things back on track and prepare for victory in November. This is one of many steps that we are taking and we are well on our way to reorganizing and re-energizing the Party."