ATK [ATK] yesterday said that Steven Cortese, the company’s senior vice president for Government Relations and Communications, is leaving the company on May 1 to pursue a new employment opportunity.

Cortese joined ATK in 2006 to lead its operations in Washington, D.C., and represent the company to Congress. He took on oversight of the corporate communications in 2011.

“Steve has been a tremendous asset to ATK, helping guide the company through government budget cycles, congressional relations and corporate communications initiatives,” Mark DeYoung, ATK’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “I want to personally thank Steve for his strategic leadership and contributions.”