The state’s top transportation administrator is leaving Kansas for a job in the private sector.

Deb Miller, who leads the Kansas Department of Transportation. is leaving for job with Cambridge Systematics Inc., a national transportation planning and policy firm that works with federal, state and local governments and agencies, as well as private industry.

The firm is based in Cambridge, Mass., and has 10 offices nationwide, plus satellite locations in Los Angeles and the Netherlands.

Miller was appointed KDOT secretary in 2003 by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, then continued to serve under governors Mark Parkinson and Sam Brownback.

Her last day at KDOT will be Dec. 16.

“On behalf of all Kansans, Lt. Governor Colyer and I want to express our deepest thanks and appreciation to Secretary Miller for her years of dedicated service to Kansas,” Brownback said, in a statement. “She has faithfully served under three administrations and has earned a distinguished record in that time. Her dedication to serving Kansans and leadership are evident in our outstanding infrastructure and I’m thankful for her service in my cabinet.

“We wish Deb continued success in all her future endeavors.”

Miller has worked in transportation for 26 years, and was involved in the state’s comprehensive transportation programs in of 1989, 1999 and — in 2010 — the state’s latest plan, known as TWORKS, and which includes financing for completion of the South Lawrence Trafficway.

“While there is never a perfect time to make this kind of transition, this feels like the right time,” Miller said, in a statement. “One of the reasons I stayed on after the election was to get TWORKS launched. I feel good about getting that done and appreciate very much Gov. Brownback giving me the opportunity.

“Working at KDOT, on behalf of the citizens of Kansas, has been more than a job to me. It has been a labor of love.”

Miller also has worked to shape national transportation policy as a member and chairwoman of national boards and committees. Leading up to her state appointment in 2003, Miller had worked for HNTB and had provided assistance to cities and state departments of transportation and municipalities. She also previously served as KDOT director of planning and development, and as a special assistant to the KDOT Secretary.

— Schools reporter Mark Fagan can be reached at 832-7188. Follow him at Twitter.com/MarkFaganLJW.