Danielle Hinz named new FBOD deputy director
Crossposted from DES Express Danielle Hinz started in her role as Finance and Business Operations’ new deputy director on January 6, returning to King County after a hiatus working at Amazon. “You will find that Danielle is a seasoned and mature leader who excels at building relationships,” said Ken Guy, FBOD director. “She is also a strategic and visionary thinker who knows how to achieve results in collaboration with others.” Read more.
King County Metro mourns one of our own, lost too soon
Crossposted from Metro Matters A loyal friend. A kind and thoughtful operator. A devoted husband. Metro Operator Shawn Yim was all these things and more. Yim, 59, was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 18. Thousands of Metro and other King County employees, staff from transit agencies around the Northwest and Canada, dignitaries and members of the public participated in a citywide procession and attended the memorial service that followed. It was hosted by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 587 at the Lumen Field WAMU Theater. Read more.
King County Metro celebrates Streetcar Employee of the Year Mike Nicolay
Crossposted from Metro Matters A man described as an integral part of the Streetcar team has been named as the King County Metro’s Streetcar Employee of the Year. Mike Nicolay was selected for the honor by his colleagues, who say he is an invaluable resource to all whom he meets during his workday. “Mike Nicolay is the heart and soul of Streetcar for his behind-the-scenes administrative support of all employees across Streetcar and plays a critical role in keeping Streetcar running smoothly,” said Jeremy Valenta, Streetcar Director. “Mike is known by his… Read More
King County Historic Preservation team earns national recognition
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green Homes built in King County neighborhoods during the post-World War II housing boom have long been dwindling in number – cleared to make way for newer homes that better fit current families and lifestyles. “Our region’s soaring property values and its rapidly growing population have led to losing many of these homes,” said Jennifer Meisner, King County Historic Preservation Officer. “Because they are typically smaller than current standards, but often have desirable views and mature landscaping, these homes are vulnerable to demolition for larger developments.” Read more.
Update: King County programs helps a young person secure his dream job
Crossposted from Best Starts for Kids In the span of a little more than a year, 19-year-old Jordan Kinney shifted from feeling hopeless to securing a dream job, with help from King County youth programs. Earlier this year, we shared Jordan’s story, just after he had landed an internship with King County International Airport with support from the King County program, Career LaunchPad. Since then, he’s managed to achieve another goal, getting a full-time permanent position at the airport as a Utility Maintenance worker. “This job is a dream come true for… Read More
Heroism by King County Metro bus operators
Crossposted from Metro Matters Two King County Metro bus operators helped lead to the arrest of the suspect in the murder of Metro Transit Operator Shawn Yim on Dec. 18. While driving a northbound RapidRide E Line bus on the morning of Dec. 21, Metro bus operator Anthony “A.J.” Ross observed a passenger onboard with some similarities to the suspect, whom Ross had driven a number of times prior to Wednesday’s murder. However, there were differences between the passenger and the police description. After the trip terminated at Aurora Village Transit Center… Read More
Airport’s Engineering Team volunteers at Food Lifeline
Crossposted from the Plane Talk Newsletter The King County International Airport’s Engineering Team volunteered at Food Lifeline recently, sorting and re-packing almost 2,800 pounds of food items in a two-hour period. The team dedicated part of their time on the Veterans Day holiday to help the non-profit, located just minutes west of the airport. Food Lifeline’s mission is feeding people facing hunger today and working to solve hunger for tomorrow. Food justice – the belief that everyone has a human right to equitably access nutritious and culturally relevant food that enables them to thrive… Read More
Hear from employees and partners about how the King County Parks Levy enhances our region’s quality of life
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. Click the image below to 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!
King County Metro celebrates Pardeep Kaile, Employee of the Year in Link light rail
Crossposted from Metro Matters Pardeep Kaile is a true triple threat: someone who has made her mark in transit as a bus operator, then in the Streetcar section and currently in Link light rail. Kaile, a Rail Operation Supervisor, was named King County Metro’s Rail Employee of the Year in Link light rail on Wednesday. Metro supervisors, operators and maintenance staff operate light rail for Sound Transit. She was honored at a ceremony in which colleagues and leaders called her “a tremendous value to the agency,” “nimble and a great problem solver”… Read More
Dr. Gene Mueller retires after 12 years at Regional Animal Services of King County
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Dr. Gene Mueller, manager of Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC), is retiring after 12 years at the helm. His retirement was Dec. 6, 2024. “Regional Animal Services wouldn’t be the model of caring, compassionate animal care it is today without Gene’s leadership,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “As he heads into a well-deserved retirement, Gene leaves RASKC in great shape for the future.” “I’d like to thank Executive Constantine, our staff and volunteers, and our whole community for trusting me to lead RASKC for… Read More
