Mike Ference, director for strategic development and senior policy adviser to House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, is leaving the Virginia Republican’s office to join Shockey Scofield Solutions.

Ference has spent more than a decade in government, including five years in House GOP leadership. He has worked on environmental, financial services, telecommunications and Internet policy matters and was considered a top prospect by downtown observers.

Cantor said in a statement emailed by his office that Ference “has been an important part of the Cantor Team and trusted advisor for me on many critical and complex issues. I will miss his wise counsel but wish him all the best in his new endeavor.”

Firm name partner Jeff Shockey called Ference a stand-up guy and great addition to his business.

Ference also has previous private sector experience in starting a small coal company.

House Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton, R-Mich., noted in a statement that Ference had been a “vital resource” for the committee including with his outreach to stakeholders affected by the panel’s work.

“I congratulate him and wish him the best on this new chapter,” Upton added.