Long-time Kansas Department of Transportation engineer Larry Thompson has been named KDOT’s Director of Operations.

For more than 20 years, Thompson has led KDOT’s southwest district based in Garden City. In his new position, he will lead all six KDOT districts at the headquarters office in Topeka.

“Larry is one of the most talented engineers at KDOT,” said Secretary Mike King. “His expertise and dedication will be a tremendous benefit in mentoring and leading our employees in the field offices.”

After earning a civil engineering degree from Kansas State University, Thompson worked at KDOT in Topeka for 10 years starting in 1966. Following 12 years in the contracting business, he came back to KDOT in different positions in Dodge City and Garden City. He was promoted to his current position as District Six Engineer in 1995.

Thompson replaces Catherine Patrick, who was recently named KDOT’s new State Transportation Engineer.