Come March 1, the man who speaks for the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, Scott Prestidge, will be the man who used to speak for U.S. Sen. Mark Udall.

Prestidge will be the oil-and-gas trade association’s communications director, after a stint as energy industry director for the Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., an affiliate of the Colorado Energy Coalition.

Prestidge was Udall’s metro regional director from 2003 to 2008. Udall was ousted in 2014 by Cory Gardner.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work in this innovative industry and with such a great group of individuals who ensure that oil and gas always has a place in Colorado,” Prestidge said in a statement. “It’s no secret that our state often finds itself at ground zero in the debate over energy development, and it is an honor to be part of an organization that serves as champions for the industry at the state Capitol and in our local communities.”

COGA Board Chairman John Mummery pointed to Prestidge’s ability to work with Democrats and Republicans.

“He’s worked across the aisle on energy issues for many years and brings with him a deep knowledge of our industry,” Mummery stated. “His public policy experience and relationships across Colorado are invaluable and will help enrich our communication and outreach efforts.”

Prestidge also is on the board of the Regional Air Quality Council, the Economic Development Council of Colorado, the Stapleton Development Corp. and Vital for Colorado. He also co-chairs the Advanced Industries Accelerator Energy Review Committee at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade.

Dan Haley, COGA’s president and CEO, said Prestidge’s “experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, commitment to civic engagement and ability to navigate Colorado’s regulatory structure make him an asset to our team, and we can’t wait to have him on board.”