AASHTO Journal, 30 March 2012
Governor Sam Brownback last week announced Mike King as the new secretary of the Kansas Department of Transportation, pending state senate confirmation.
King succeeds Deb Miller as KDOT secretary. Miller left the position in December. KDOT’s Chief Counsel Barbara Rankin had been serving as acting secretary.
“As KDOT secretary, Mike will bring a fresh perspective,” said Brownback in a statement. “He understands the meaning of hard work and has the blisters to prove it. Mike’s hands-on experience and construction knowledge will be instrumental as we work to maintain our nationally recognized highways and implement [the 10-year transportation plan] T-WORKS.”
King graduated from John Brown University in Arkansas with a bachelor’s degree in building construction. He is president of King Enterprise Group, Inc., which provides construction services for both the energy and industrial markets. King worked previously for the Wichita-based contractors Martin K. Eby Construction Company and Hutton Construction Corporation. He and his wife Peggy have four children.
“This position allows me the opportunity to serve my state and the people that make Kansas a great place to live and do business,” said King in a statement. “My experience in the construction industry and as a business owner provides me with the knowledge and understanding that I believe can be beneficial to KDOT in the improvement and expansion of the state’s infrastructure.”