A natural gas utility with headquarters in Lawrence has hired a new general manager for its Kansas operations.

Black Hills Energy has named Nick Gardner as the general manager for all Kansas operations, which includes its natural gas utility that serves Lawrence and 63 other communities across the state.

Gardner will be based in Black Hills’ Kansas headquarters, which are located in northern Lawrence.

Gardner previously was director of operations for Black Hills’ natural gas utility in Nebraska. He’s been with Black Hills since 2003. He replaces Todd Jacobs, who recently was named vice president of operations for Black Hills’ natural gas utility in northern Arkansas.