Executive Constantine appoints Leon Richardson as Local Services director, choosing a leader with community connections, programmatic vision, and operational excellence
King County Executive Dow Constantine today appointed Leon Richardson as the new director of the Department of Local Services, selecting a proven leader with operational excellence and strategic vision to lead the department that serves as the local government for the unincorporated areas. Richardson will begin his new position on July 22, and his appointment is subject to confirmation by the King County Council. Interim Director Danielle de Clercq will continue to serve as the department’s deputy director. “Leon Richardson brings a wealth of experience convening and leading people to strive toward… Read More
BRC team reinvigorates “Underground” team
Crossposted from DES Express Do you know what it takes to ensure your paycheck accurately reflects any changes, like new taxes or union dues, that can occur several times each year? It takes significant behind-the-scenes effort. “No one wants to manually test payroll four times a year,” said Jennifer Gilbert, QA Automation Engineer for PeopleSoft in the Business Resource Center. Read more. Pictured: Pam Ingram and Jessica Maistrovich, both from Hennepin County, Minnesota, and Jennifer Gilbert, QA Automation Engineer for PeopleSoft in the BRC.
Julie Wing marks 40 years at King County with both pungent and pleasant memories
Crossposted from the DES Express Congratulations to Julie Wing, Inventory Specialist in Fleet Services, on her 40th anniversary with King County! In September 1983, the month after she turned 20, she started a temporary position in the Facilities Management Division as an office assistant. Initially she handled general administration and payroll. Her official anniversary date is April 16, 1984, the date she started a career service position in the Facilites Management Division. Wing has held a number of jobs at the county, from office technician to electrician’s helper in the King County… Read More
Innovation Section receives award for wildlife excellence
Crossposted from the Plane Talk Newsletter King County International Airport recently received an award from United States Department of Agriculture’s Washington State office for a project promoting wildlife excellence. Dave Decoteau, deputy director of the airport, accepted the award on KCIA’s behalf at the 2024 Washington Airport Management Association Annual Conference in May. The airport’s Innovation Section received the award for partnering with USDA to develop the Wildlife Hazard Assessment Tool (WHAT) application. “It is an application for capturing wildlife observations on our airfield,” said Vanessa Chin, Innovation Section Manager for the… Read More
Humans of Road Services: Meet Lydia Reynolds-Jones
Crossposted from King County Local Fairness and fearlessness. For decades, Lydia Reynolds-Jones has leaned on these two pillars to guide her, both professionally and personally. Lydia began working for the Road Services Division more than 30 years ago as a roadway design engineer. The traits that keep her engaged, energized, fulfilled, and never bored are continuous learning and problem solving. Over the years, she has led and managed various units and programs. She has served as the Road Services Division Strategic Business Operations Section Manager since 2021. Read more.
Kelly Rider appointed Director of the Department of Community and Human Services
Executive Constantine has appointed Kelly Rider Director of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). Since February, Kelly has served as Acting Director of DCHS and previously served as Chief of Staff, where she oversaw legislative efforts, policy development, strategic partnerships, and investments in our region. In her seven years with DCHS, Rider has built lasting relationships with human services providers and jurisdictions across King County, and helped advance key initiatives, including Health Through Housing and the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services levy, renewed for a fourth time last year. Read more.
Executive Constantine thanks Department of Community and Human Services Director Leo Flor for his leadership on transformative investments for the people of King County as he accepts a role outside government
King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced that Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) director Leo Flor will be departing King County service this month for a role outside of government. Kelly Rider, currently serving as the department’s chief of staff, will become interim director following Flor’s departure on Feb. 27. Flor joined King County in 2017 to lead the renewal and expansion of the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL). In 2018, Executive Constantine appointed Flor to serve as DCHS Director. DCHS is a 580-person department that invests in services for older adults, behavioral health treatment,… Read More
Andrew Cronholm helps drive Fleet as new Deputy Director
Crossposted from the DES Express Earlier this month, Andrew Cronholm joined Fleet Services as Deputy Director. He started part time on Oct. 2 while transitioning from his role in the Office of Performance, Strategy, and Budget (PSB). He officially began full time in Fleet on Oct. 9. Read more.
Local Services team members honored for decades of service
Crossposted from King County Local Two members of the King County Local Services team recently received some much-deserved recognition for reaching impressive milestones in their public service careers. Our own Bong Santo (Sto.) Domingo and john miller were honored by King County Executive Dow Constantine and the King County Council for their decades of service. Bong, a Community Liaison, was recognized for his 45 years in public service, including the last 27 with King County. john, who serves as our Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Team Manager, was honored for his 25 years. Read… Read More
Christie True – Executive Constantine’s longest-serving department director – retiring after 39 years of service at Department of Natural Resources and Parks
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the retirement of Department of Natural Resources and Parks Director Christie True – the longest-serving department director on his Cabinet – after a 39-year career at the agency. Executive Constantine credited True for reinforcing King County’s reputation as a trusted environmental steward by producing climate solutions, protecting water quality, restoring habitat, conserving open space, and improving access to parks and trails. The Executive Office will conduct a nationwide recruitment for one of the largest metropolitan natural resource agencies in the country. “Since I appointed her Director… Read More
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