(Photo: www.gop.com/index.php/chairman_steele)

Former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele has joined MSNBC as a political analyst. In recent weeks, he has been a frequent guest on the network, particularly the Rachel Maddow Show.

The first African-American to head the RNC, Steele was ousted by committee members in January, following a tumultuous tenure that reportedly included financial improprieties that left the organization millions in debt, from which it is still trying to recover. Despite the controversies he attracted, Steele believes that his leadership of the party played a significant role in the House regaining the majority in 2010 and a diminished Democratic majority in the Senate.

“It’s an honor to contribute and engage in the dialogue at MSNBC,” Steele said. “I look forward to engaging a diverse audience to share insights and analysis about the people, issues and events shaping America’s future. I’m sure our discussions will be both informative and a bit spirited.”

Steele is also president and CEO of The Steele Group, a company he created in 1999 that focuses on business development, networking and communications strategies.