The American Petroleum Institute Colorado announced a change of leadership Thursday.

Carley West is taking over as the executive director of API Colorado from Kait Schwartz, who is moving to Wyoming. West will lead the organization’s work to support Colorado’s natural gas and oil industry.

West brings two decades of experience in government affairs, energy policy and business advocacy to the post. She most recently served as vice president of Government Affairs at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, where she directed the Chamber’s policy initiatives at the state, local, and federal levels, according to a news release from API.

A graduate of Colorado State University, West holds a degree in journalism and technical communications with advanced studies in public relations and political science. She lives in Denver with her husband and two children.

“Carly offers a rare combination of legislative insight, business acumen, and experience in the energy sector, making her perfectly suited for this role,” said Rolf Hanson, API senior vice president of public affairs and state government relations. “Her leadership experience in both the private and public sectors has positioned her as a trusted voice in Colorado’s policy landscape.”

West managed government affairs and legislative strategy for Black Hills Energy in Colorado. Earlier in her career, she focused on energy, environmental, and healthcare policies with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and started her government affairs career at Axiom Strategies Inc., representing a diverse range of clients, said the release.

“It’s an honor to lead API Colorado at such a pivotal time for Colorado’s energy landscape,” West said. “This state has long played a central role in advancing safe, reliable, and affordable energy, and I’m excited to build on that legacy by working collaboratively with policymakers, communities, and industry leaders. I look forward to supporting the women and men of Colorado’s natural gas and oil industry as we help meet our state’s energy needs while promoting responsible development and strengthening our economy.”

API Colorado is a division of the American Petroleum Institute, which represents all facets of the natural gas and oil industry. API members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, according to its website. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.