Kathleen Staks, who was executive director of the Colorado Energy Office during the final two years of former Gov. John Hickenlooper’s administration, has been hired as director of external affairs for power wholesaler Guzman Energy.

“In this new position, Staks will lead stakeholder engagement, legislative and regulatory affairs, and strategic communications to help Guzman Energy meet its goal of transitioning Colorado and the West into a cleaner, more affordable energy future,” the Denver-based company said in a statement Tuesday.

Staks, formerly an energy-development official with the state Department of Natural Resources, was named to lead the Energy Office in January 2017. Her appointment then was praised by both the Colorado Petroleum Council and Conservation Colorado.

She also previously worked at Great Outdoors Colorado on parks, wildlife and open space programs.

“Kathleen’s extensive experience in engaging with a wide variety of stakeholders, as well as her collaborative approach, make her uniquely qualified to help us continue to identify innovative avenues for expanding energy options in the West,” Chris Miller, chief operating officer for Guzman Energy, said in Tuesday’s statement. “We are excited to have her join the team and lead these important efforts.”

Guzman in January reached a deal with Glenwood Springs-based Holy Cross Energy to help the local electric cooperative develop a new wind farm with a goal of producing nearly 70 percent of its power from renewable energy by 2021, the Glenwood Springs Post Independent reported.