Carly West

Executive Director, API Colorado

Carly is the Executive Director for the American Petroleum Institute (API) Colorado. In her role, she is a passionate advocate for Colorado’s oil and gas industry, championing its vital contribution to the state’s economy, energy needs, and climate goals. She firmly believes in the essential role energy plays in the daily lives of all Coloradans and in building a sustainable future.

Prior to joining the American Petroleum Institute, she served as the Vice President of Government Affairs at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, leading the Chamber’s state, local, and federal policy initiatives, advocating for a robust business community, and promoting economic opportunity on behalf of the Chamber’s 1,100 members.

Carly has worked in energy policy for many years, previously managing government and community affairs at Black Hills Energy, a leading natural gas and electric utility. She also played a key role in shaping policy as the leader of the Energy & Environment and Health Care policy committees at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. She began her career in government affairs at Axiom Strategies Inc., a contract lobbying firm, where she represented clients in education, healthcare, and business sectors.

Carly’s passion for public policy was ignited during her college internship with State Representative Bob Bacon of Fort Collins, through the Colorado State University Legislative Internship Program. A graduate of Colorado State University, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Technical Communications, with advanced studies in Public Relations and Political Science.

Outside of the office, she works to support and advocate for teen parents and their children as a board member at Florence Crittenton Services. Her favorite times are those spent with her husband and two children.