When you need to talk to Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner on big stuff in the future, you won’t have Chuck Poplstein as your local hookup.

The popular Poplstein is stepping down as Gardner’s state director at the end of the month to become a regional advocate for The Boeing Co. He’ll be based in St. Louis, but he’ll work across the Midwest and in Colorado.

“Working for Senator Gardner has been one of the greatest honors and privileges of my life,” he said in an e-mail to the staff. “I am eternally grateful for the Senator’s leadership and for the opportunity to serve. The family and I are excited about this new chapter in our lives and for the opportunity to be closer to family in St. Louis.”

Andy Merritt will take over the job on April 26.

“I’m thankful for Chuck Poplstein’s years of service to Colorado as my state director and am thrilled Andy Merritt has agreed to take his place,” Gardner said in a statement Monday. “Andy’s experience serving Coloradans will be a tremendous asset. I’m confident he will be a tireless advocate for the people of Colorado and I am looking forward to working with him to best serve my constituents.”

Merritt is the chief defense industry officer for the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, coordinating community support for the military installations and commands. He supported the growth of military-related industries and oversaw related legislative affairs, according to Gardner’s officer.

He was a district officer for Sen. Hank Brown for two years and Wayne Allard for 12. A West Point graduate, he was an Army officer assigned to Fort Carson and in Korea.

Gardner’s office also welcomed Casey Contres as press secretary Monday. He previously was the communications director for Rep. Bill Shuster of Pennsylvania.

“I’m proud Casey Contres is joining our team today and will hit the ground running,” Gardner stated. “Casey will be an integral part of my team and will make sure the people of Colorado know where I stand on a wide range of issues.”