The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission has taken on its first communications director, a person well-known in Democratic political circles.

Megan Castle, who has had stints with the Colorado Department of Transportation and as a spokeswoman for both Govs. John Hickenlooper and Bill Ritter, will be the first communications hire in the commission’s history. She started on July 15. 

Castle will lead the commission’s strategic communications and outreach efforts, according to a statement Friday from the Department of Natural Resources.

In a statement, COGCC Director Jeff Robbins said the new position is “part of COGCC’s commitment to being open and transparent with Colorado’s new oil and gas law, SB 19-181.”

Castle “will lead COGCC’s communication efforts to ensure the public, industry, community groups, and local governments are informed and engaged in this process. Megan’s background in public service and strategic communications will help us in our efforts to have impactful conversations and build relationships with our public and stakeholders.”

Castle has been with CDOT since 2014. She has also led communications efforts for the Colorado Energy Office.