Mineta to Join PR Firm Hill & Knowlton

orman Mineta, who left the Department of Transportation as secretary last week, will join public relations firm Hill & Knowlton in Washington, D.C., as vice chairman, effective July 24, the firm said Monday.

The firm said Mineta’s “diverse experience and his extensive knowledge of public policy and business will enable him to provide valuable counsel” to the company’s clients.

Meanwhile, American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves — rumored to be among the top candidates to replace Mineta as DOT Secretary — told Transport Topics Monday that while he was "honored and flattered to be considered," he "recently agreed to a five-year extension" of his contract to run ATA.

Reuters reported that Graves was among those being considered for the post. Marion Blakey, who heads the Federal Aviation Administration, is also a contender, Reuters said.