After nearly nine years on the job, the head of the Missouri Department of Transportation, Patrick McKenna, is stepping down. McKenna announced his intention to leave during Wednesday’s meeting of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission. He did not give a date for his department or say whether he was retiring or seeking employment elsewhere. He said he had some family obligations to attend to. But he praised the department’s staff, saying he’s never been more confident in the future of MoDOT or the Highways and Transportation Commission.