Kathryn Klaber, who has helmed the industry-led Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) as CEO for almost four years, is stepping down, she said Friday.

Klaber was selected to lead the newly formed organization in late 2009. She is expected to help in the transition over the next few months.

“Pennsylvania is now producing nearly 10% of the nation’s natural gas,” Klaber said. “Our industry’s work has been described as ‘revolutionary’ and ‘game-changing.’ The work of the MSC, collaborating with public officials, has helped create the climate for growth of an industry that has delivered on its promises to create American jobs, increase our energy security, while holding safety and environmental performance as paramount.”

The oil and gas industry over the past few years “has faced and collectively overcome a host of challenges,” said MSC Chair Dave Spigelmyer, who is Chesapeake Energy Corp. vice president of government affairs. “Katie’s results-oriented leadership and proven ability to identify and collaboratively tackle these challenges has brought incredible value to our industry.

“And for that, along with her tireless efforts in building our organization from the ground up, as well as for her friendship, we are deeply grateful.” He said Klaber had worked with former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell’s administration and with the current Gov. Tom Corbett “to modernize and strengthen the Commonwealth’s regulatory framework” in building “a topnotch community outreach and advocacy infrastructure.” The MSC now has 300 members.

In her final months, the MSC has asked Klaber to further engage member companies and their employees on key policy issues for the industry, to evaluate the need for public outreach and education in the northeastern states without shale development, to advise on key benchmarks to complement the MSC’s recommended practices and to continue to serve as a recognized industry leader and spokesperson.