The American Petroleum Institute (API) said Tuesday Executive Vice President Marty Durbin will step down on Jan. 31 after nearly a decade of representing the oil and natural gas industry.

“It was a thrill to have worked with the natural gas and oil industry during a period of such incredible innovation — even the dual challenges of an economic recession followed by an industry downturn couldn’t dampen the U.S. shale energy revolution,” Durbin said. “I’m excited about where API is headed and glad I could play a role in this important leadership transition.”

CEO Mike Sommers called Durbin “an extraordinary leader for API during extraordinary times for our industry. He has helped guide our association through challenges, expanded our industry’s reach, and heightened our effectiveness in Washington and across the country.

“We will miss Marty both as a friend and colleague, and we are confident he will bring the same level of commitment and success to his next endeavor.”

Durbin said he plans to “step away, catch my breath, and determine how I will pursue my passions in the policy and political world.” He signaled that he plans to continue working with A Wider Circle, a Bethesda, MD-based nonprofit dedicated to ending poverty, which he chairs.

Durbin returned to API after serving for nearly three years as CEO of America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA), which merged with API in 2015. Prior to joining ANGA, Durbin served as API’s executive vice president for government affairs.

Before his career representing the oil and gas industry, Durbin served as vice president of federal relations at the American Chemistry Council and held a variety of government affairs positions with the American Plastics Council. He previously served on Capitol Hill in the offices of Sen. Alan J. Dixon (D-IL) and Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA).