John Swartout, most recently senior policy adviser to Gov. John Hickenlooper, has been named the next executive director of Colorado Counties Inc. (CCI).

Swartout takes the helm at CCI on Jan. 7.

He has served as a senior policy adviser and rural policy and outreach director in the Hickenlooper administration since March 2014, dealing with issues such as mine cleanups and protection of the greater sage grouse.

According to a Friday news release from Hickenlooper’s office, Swartout had previously worked for former U.S. Sen. Wayne Allard and former Gov. Bill Owens, working on federal land and environmental issues. He also served as executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado and the Colorado Coalition of Land Trusts.

“We are fortunate to have someone of John’s caliber and experience step up to lead at CCI,” Delta County Commissioner and CCI President Mark Roeber said. “We are at a critical moment and we need renewed leadership to successfully move the organization forward.”

Swartout said that “local governments are the backbone of Colorado and the key to enhancing its future.”

Hickenlooper said in a statement Friday that “no one understands the true benefits of collaboration better than John Swartout. He is a true mastermind at resolving conflicts by skillfully bringing together opposing parties, and finding the right compromise for the common good. He will lead CCI with vision and a collaborative style that will benefit the entire state.”

CCI is the nonprofit association for county commissioners, mayors and council members. It encourages counties “to work together on common issues.”