In July of 2009, Democratic Governor Bill Ritter reached out to a Republican, Don Marostica, naming him director of Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade. The former Loveland city councilman jumped into the role, meeting with businesses around the state and elsewhere, traveling some 37,000 miles in the last 17 months. This year alone, Marostica held more than 1,000 meetings and helped 71 companies create more than 7,000 jobs, according to the Denver Business Journal, which notes that he was instrumental in high-profile announcements, such as SMA Solar Technology AG’s move to Denver and Vestas Wind Systems’ expansion in the state.

But now Marostica, who has also served in Colorado’s House of Representatives, will be looking for a new job. He tells the Loveland Reporter-Herald that he will step down because Governor-elect John Hickenlooper does not need him. The move doesn’t seem to be personal; Marostica, who has expressed thanks for the opportunity Ritter gave him, says a “wholesale sweep” of cabinet posts is underway, adding that he’s unlikely to continue his political career. “You never say never, but I’m 62, and it’s time to say ‘never.'” He says he’d like to lead a large company or nonprofit group rather than return to Loveland Commercial, a brokerage and development company he founded, pointing out that his son and a partner are doing a great job: “I’m not going to mess that up.”