Gov. John Hickenlooper on Tuesday named a top Department of Natural Resources official to lead the state’s Energy Office.

Kathleen Staks will take over for Jeff Ackermann, who was recently appointed to the Public Utilities Commission.

Staks will leave her role as the assistant director for energy and minerals at the Department of Natural Resources.

“The Energy Office has implemented great programs over the last several years to further energy efficiency and innovation and I look forward to exploring new opportunities across the energy spectrum,” Staks said.

She will assume the role of executive director on Friday.

“Kathleen will be pivotal in helping us work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders to ensure that Colorado is a strong supporter of both traditional and renewable energy resources,” Hickenlooper said. “Colorado’s energy practices touch every person in Colorado daily.  Kathleen will continue to ensure that our state’s energy portfolio benefits Colorado businesses, workers and families.”

Staks takes over after the Energy Office was recently the subject of an audit that found that although the office has made progress since its last 2012 performance review, additional improvements could be made to better ensure expenditures are properly approved.

Staks is in a unique position to carry the torch for the Energy Office, as she worked on energy development for the Department of Natural Resources.

She takes over at a precarious time for energy policy, with unknowns hanging over the state thanks to a new presidential administration under Republican Donald Trump. Energy policy could see significant shifts under the new administration.

Environmental interests, who are worried about an expansion of oil and gas activities in Colorado over the next four years, say they have faith in Staks’ leadership.

“She has a deep understanding of natural resource issues and is able to balance the interests of many different stakeholders,” said Pete Maysmith, executive director of Conservation Colorado. “We look forward to working with her to help Colorado embrace the clean energy future.”

The new energy leadership comes as state lawmakers will debate oil and gas policy in the legislature this year. Senate Democrats have created a position to address energy policy, and ruling Senate Republicans established a select committee to discuss the issue.

Republicans already introduced a bill this session – which kicked off last week – that would expand crimes for tampering with oil and gas equipment.

Given her work with energy and mining companies, as well as renewable energy businesses, there is hope that Staks can quell emotions that revolve around energy development, including hydraulic fracturing.

The oil and gas industry appears optimistic with the appointment, agreeing that Staks has the ability to balance all sides of the conversation.

“Her fresh perspective and ability to bring all energy stakeholders together in a fair and balanced manner will prove important not only to Colorado’s all-of-the-above energy policy, but to the citizens who rely on clean, affordable energy,” said Tracee Bentley, executive director of the Colorado Petroleum Council. “Kathleen has the leadership and vision it takes to successfully lead the Colorado Energy Office.”