Angie Paccione will leave her job as head of Colorado’s Department of Higher Education in the new year, the governor’s office announced Tuesday.

Her last day will be Jan. 9. Governor Jared Polis will announce her replacement before then.

“Under her leadership, Colorado has made major progress in breaking down barriers to help more students from all backgrounds access the training and education needed to succeed and drive our economy forward. Angie’s hard work and dedication has created a foundation that we will continue building on for learners and workers at all levels,” Polis said in a statement.

Paccione has been the department’s executive director since 2019 and led it through the major disruptions to higher education caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The department works to expand and support education opportunities after high school in the state, including credential programs, workforce development and college enrollment.

Under her leadership, Colorado began the Re-Engaged (CORE) Initiative, which allows four-year institutions in the state to give associate degrees to students who stopped working towards their bachelor’s degree but have at least 70 credit hours. She also oversaw the start of the FosterEd program that pays the college costs for students who were in foster care.

“For me, this work has always been about activating the potential in every student. Over the past seven years, we have expanded opportunity, strengthened workforce readiness, and unlocked personal fulfillment for Colorado’s learners,” Paccione said in a statement.

Paccione served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, and became the Democratic minority caucus chair.

She plans to take a job in the private sector, according to the governor’s office.