The former Kansas transportation secretary will be a regional director for a John Deere construction equipment dealer.

Mike King has joined Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co.

Republican Gov. Sam Brownback’s office announced King’s departure last month. King had worked in the construction industry for more than three decades and was owner of a McPherson company when Brownback named him transportation secretary in March 2012.

During his tenure, King ran a department with about 2,500 employees and an annual budget of well over $1 billion. But also during his tenure, the state has repeatedly diverted highway funds to other parts of state government to balance its budget.

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Associated Press information from: The Wichita Eagle