ERIE — Michael D. Colpoys has been named president of National Fuel Gas Distribution Corp., the utility subsidiary of National Fuel Gas Co., succeeding Donna L. DeCarolis, who retired recently after more than 40 years of service at National Fuel.

Colpoys’s responsibilities include oversight for all aspects of the utility, which provides natural gas service for 2.2 million residents, spanning 26 counties in Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania and has nearly 1,600 employees.

“With 38 years of service at National Fuel, Mike is a strong leader with hands-on operational and engineering experience and extensive knowledge of the energy industry,” said David P. Bauer, president and CEO of National Fuel. “His vast expertise helps to ensure that our utility business runs efficiently, and our customers continue to receive safe, affordable and reliable natural gas service.”

Colpoys, a native of Buffalo, N.Y., has lived in Erie for decades while working for National Fuel. Colpoys received a bachelor’s degree from Clarkson University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Penn State Behrend.