Jim Westmoreland, a former Greensboro transportation director who became NCDOT's deputy secretary for transit in 2009, is leaving government work for a private sector job.

Jim Trogdon, NCDOT's chief operating officer, temporariy will manage the department's ferry, public transportation, rail, aviation and bicyle and pedestrian branches until Westmoreland's successor is named.

“I think I speak for the entire department when I say that we are sad to see Jim go, but we wish him the best,” Transportation Secretary Gene Conti said. “His passion for transit is undeniable and he will truly be missed.”

Westmoreland held engineering jobs with NCDOT from 1991 to 1996 before serving for 13 years as Greensboro's transportation director. He was not immediately available for comment.