King County Metromance: Coffee, two trolleys, and true love
Crossposted from Metro Matters Their story begins in back in 2003, when Darryl and Cheryl Estes were both King County Metro operators working out of Atlantic Base in Seattle. “We were both new trolley operators at the time, and both of us were also new fulltime operators,” recalled Darryl. “We were in the (same) room at the base and had to wait there a long time. At one point as we chatted, I thought ‘maybe she likes me.’ I asked if I could buy her some coffee.” Cheryl wasn’t too sure at… Read More
Emergency Management regains Crystal Cup
Crossposted from the DES Express Congratulations to Emergency Management, winner of the year’s coveted Crystal Cup for the 2024 King County Employee Giving Program (EGP). The Crystal Cup is awarded to the division with the highest EGP participation rate in the Department of Executive Services each year. Emergency Management recaptured the cup from Fleet Services with a 50 percent participation rate. “Earning the Crystal Cup takes dedication,” said Lorraine Patterson-Harris, Director of DES. “Winning divisions emphasize engagement over the size of individual contributions, connecting employees with organizations that align with their values…. Read More
Assessor’s Office and District Court tie for #1 on the 2024 Cybersecurity Training scoreboard
Congratulations to the Assessor’s Office and District Court for leading the way with 100% of employees completing 2024 Cybersecurity Training! Other top finishers with more than 90% completion include (in alphabetical order): DNRP, Elections, Executive Services, Human Resources, Judicial Administration, KCIT, Local Services, Public Defense, Public Safety, and 4Culture. Seattle Public Libraries, Highline School District, SeaTac Airport – these and several other local government agencies were hit by serious cyberattacks in 2024. New threats are always emerging; that’s why cybersecurity training is constantly updated and is required for all King County employees… Read More
Meet Wellness Hero Jeff Chan
Balanced You Wellness Heroes highlights employees doing things to better their lives, the lives of their colleagues, and our community. Meet Wellness Hero Jeff Chan, Engineer II, King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). In this video, Jeff talks about his new role at the county, how his role helps keep residents safe and healthy in their homes, his past experiences working with theme parks, and more! Watch the video below.
‘I’ve made a friend for life’ Mentors Moving Metro making a difference
Crossposted from Metro Matters Karin Peterson is a veteran operator going on three decades of service with Metro. She started driving because, as a single mother, Metro’s flexible schedule and benefits matched her needs for her family. LaToya Lewis came to Metro in 2024 after a family member suggested it was a good fit since she already had a Commercial Driver License. She graduated from operator training and became one of the growing number of new drivers to join Metro. Through a program called “Mentors Moving Metro,” they have formed a bond… Read More
The Engine That Powers Your Big Backyard: The King County Parks Levy
Crossposted from King County Parks Meet Marvin! For Parks employee Marvin Johnson, a day spent outside connecting with parks visitors is a good day. Quick with a smile and always happy to chat, he is one of the many people working hard to keep our county parks, trails and natural areas open and available to everyone. Hear from Marvin, other employees, and partners about how the King County Parks Levy enhances our region’s quality of life in our new video. Read more.
Introducing Michael Bailey, the new Adult Services Division Director
Crossposted from Cultivating Connections King County Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) warmly welcomes Michael Bailey as the new director of the Adult Services Division (ASD). Michael brings more than 15 years of experience leading health and human service organizations, advancing economic mobility efforts, supporting aging adults, and co-creating community-led programs. Michael has a strong commitment to collaborative problem-solving and strategic initiative implementation that enhances service delivery, improves access points, and fosters inclusive and equitable practices within government organizations. Read more.
Recognizing Metro’s Operators of the Month, November-December 2024
Crossposted from Metro Matters They produce TV shows for their community and enjoy playing and watching soccer. They love to barbecue and go out to eat. One taught music in Amsterdam, another was inspired by bus rides to school to become a bus driver. Those who ride with them say they “made my afternoon,” are “very inspiring,” and is “the best driver I ever met.” They are operators with 200 years of professional driving experience! The operators on your bus are as unique as you, and all of them love driving and giving back… Read More
Submit nominations for the Executive’s 2024 awards
The nomination period for the Executive’s Best-Run Government Awards is Jan. 13 through Feb. 21. The annual awards honor Executive branch employees and teams for their exceptional contributions in leadership, innovation, and performance. Any King County employee can nominate a team or individual for an Innovation or Leadership Excellence Award. This is an opportunity to recognize outstanding project teams and leaders who: Create value for the customer Deliver measurable improvement results Apply innovative solutions for achieving results Nominate someone and learn more information here.
Airport employees prepare for snow
Crossposted from the DES Express Much like pilots of the Navy’s Blue Angels, operators of King County International Airport’s snow removal equipment assemble regularly for drills. They practice their formations, with snow plow blades tipping like wings, swiveling during turns. Each huge Multi-Tasking Equipment (MTE) lines up behind and to the side of the one in front, plow blades overlapping just a bit, so they can most efficiently remove snow when it arrives for real. “We’re practicing the route as if there was snow on the ground,” said MTE Operator Kyle Renner…. Read More
Employee News 