Ed Natali

The Butler County Republican Committee will be under new leadership next week.

Chairman Jeff Smith this morning announced his resignation effective March 15,

Under committee bylaws, Ed Natali, the internal vice chair will succeed Smith as chairman.

Natali, 49, of Butler Township said in an interview he wants to continue what Smith started since becoming chairman in 2011.

“Under Jeff's leadership, the committee has done very well,” Natali said. “I will continue in his footsteps.”

During Smith's tenure, the GOP retained all county row offices and more than 91 percent of contested municipal races, including the Butler mayor's race, a seat that had been filled by a Democrat for the past 28 years

Smith, the city treasurer and chairman of the Butler County Council of Governments, said he is resigning now to ensure there is a smooth transition.

“Being chairman requires a focus on candidates running for office,” Smith said. “I'd like to serve the county in a different way.”

Smith, 59, of Butler would not confirm he is running again for county commissioner in 2015.

“It's a little early to announce one's candidacy for a 2015 race,” he said.

Smith ran an unsuccessful bid for commissioner in 2011.Natali, an executive account manager for Siemans in Canonsburg, plans to continue bringing the committee into the electronic age. He also thanked Smith for his efforts.“Jeff's been a great mentor,” Natali said.Smith expressed confidence in the incoming chairman.“Ed will do a terrific job as chairman and will maintain the momentum of the past few years,” Smith said.The committee now has to fill the post of external vice chairman.

Jeff Smith