Colorado’s brewmaster-in-chief has named a fellow man in suds to run the state’s Department of Labor and Employment.

If confirmed by the state Senate, Sam Walker would come to state government from Molson Coors Brewing Co., where he was has worked since 2002, most recently as chief legal and corporate affairs officer. Before that he was oversaw human resources for the beer giant.

It’s a short stint, however, since Hickenlooper leaves office next January because of term limits, and usually a new governor brings in his or her own cabinet.

“Sam brings a lifetime passion to help those who have been left behind in education or training,” Gov. John Hickenlooper said in a statement.

“Colorado is a leader in innovative programs that address these conditions, and Sam has the intellect, experience, and more importantly, the heart, to take these programs to the next level and become a model for the entire country.”

Walker succeeds Ellen Golombek, who left the post at the end of October to become director of services for the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. She had been with the governor since he took office in 2011.

Before getting in the beer business, Walker was a partner in a Washington, D.C., law firm.

Before that, he worked for two federal agencies, the departments of education and labor. At the Department of Labor he managed the Employment Standards Administration, which has 3,000 employees.

He has an undergraduate degree from Duke University and law degree from Harvard.

As for his Colorado credentials, the Governor’s Office added:

Walker is a member of the Colorado and District of Columbia Bar Associations. He also has been active with the Colorado Access to Justice Commission, the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System, the Denver Salvation Army Harbor Lights program and previously served on the Denver Metro Chamber Foundation.

The Molson Coors Board of Directors said Friday Lee Reichert will take over for Walker effective Feb. 28.

“Sam Walker leaves an enduring impact on our business,” CEO Mark Hunter said in a statement. “When our company’s history is written, his name will be central to the change and journey that we delivered across 2005-2018. In the MCBC book, this will be a massively important chapter.

“Anyone who knows Sam knows that he is motivated to serve others. His new role in public service is a wonderful and logical next step.”