Guided by community voices, Michael Carter builds King County’s first Green Jobs Program
From Keeping King County Green As King County’s first Green Jobs Program Manager, Michael Carter knew his initial task would be to do a lot of listening. Working out of the Department of Natural Resources and Parks Director’s Office, Michael was asked to develop a countywide green jobs strategy – and that meant listening to the communities we serve, as well as partner employers and organizations. Read more.
Serving healthcare with dignity to those serving time
From the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group Lio Saephanh, Nursing Supervisor with King County Jail Health Services, came to the U.S. as a child after spending a year in a refugee camp. She is Mien, an ethnic minority in Southeast Asia and the second largest Hill Tribal group in northern Laos and Thailand, after the Hmong people. Lio has provided direct health services in King County for the past 33 years. In her role, she supervises teams of dedicated nurses providing critical health care and making sure scheduled services are fully… Read More
County’s utility workers are like utility players in baseball
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Utility Workers in the Facilities Management Division (FMD) are like the county’s “utility players” on a baseball team, capable of serving in various roles or positions as needed. Their jobs aren’t related to a public utility such as power or water as you might first assume. They take care of anything not assigned to a specific trade worker, like a carpenter, electrician, or painter. This is the team that continues to move agencies out of the Administration building and supports moves around the county. They also handle everything from… Read More
Moving forward together: A shared vision for Metro’s future
“Transit must lead with equity and provide world-class service.” Michelle Allison, the new King County Metro General Manager, recently posted her perspective on the current state of the agency is and the vision for where it is headed. Allison shared three main priorities of the agency and those they serve to move forward together. Each priority is informed by deep and ongoing engagement with the community, a partnership that will continue every step of the way. Read more.
Inspired by Women in Aviation International Conference
Cross-posted from Plane Talk After attending the Women in Aviation International Conference in February, King County International Airport’s Vanessa Chin, Innovation Section Manager, and Sandi Trevino, incoming Maintenance Crew Chief, came back inspired. So much so that Chin is reaching out to Women in Aviation International to see about starting a chapter in Seattle. “It was absolutely an incredible learning experience,” Chin said. “We met so many exceptional women in aviation.” Read more.
County Supervisors recognized for Military and Guard employee support
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award recognizes supervisor support for employee National Guard and Reserve members, highlighting the contributions, awareness, and care that enable their employees to both serve their country and their organization. Such support includes creating flexible schedules, providing time off before and after deployments, supporting families, and much more. The ESGR, an official Department of Defense program, has recently bestowed two Patriot Awards to King County supervisors: Jane Corcoran and Amanda Gudmunson from the Department of Executive Services Business Resource Center for their outstanding… Read More
Michelle Allison confirmed as Metro General Manager
Cross-posted from Metro Matters Michelle Allison, nominated by Executive Dow Constantine to lead King County Metro, was unanimously confirmed by the King County Council. Allison was previously deputy general manager and now becomes only the second woman to lead Metro. Allison is proudly leading Metro as it celebrates its milestone 50th anniversary in 2023, and the agency is carrying energy and enthusiasm forward as it heads into the next 50 years. Read more.
Animal Control Officers juggle many responsibilities
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Being an Animal Control Officer (ACO) involves much more than chasing loose animals. “There’s a lot more that we do and that we’re exposed to that the average citizen does not think about,” said Sam Moore, an ACO at Regional Animal Services of King County. Read more.
Local Services program welcomes Jacques Imperial
From the Department of Local Services blog Local Services’ goal of empowering residents to determine how money is spent in their neighborhoods just got a valuable addition. Jacques Imperial recenlty joined Local Services as the Participatory Budgeting program’s new Administrator. In her new position, Jacques will help Program Manager Gloria Briggs, who is currently seeking applicants to serve on the program’s Steering Committee for 2023-24. “My passion for public service stems from helping those whose voices are often unheard and ensuring that when communities seek government assistance, they get the best customer service possible,” Jacques… Read More
Sprouting equity-driven ecology through education: One noxious weed at a time
From the American Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pasifika Affinity Group “I have a passion for humans but always envisioned myself working with the natural world. This makes me feel like I can accomplish both” says Skye Pelliccia (she/her/ella), about her role as an Education Consultant for King County’s Noxious Weed Control Program. When speaking with Skye, who identifies as a mix of Thai, Native American, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent, her enthusiasm about noxious weeds, the ecosystem, and ways to apply an equitable lens to this field of work inspires one to learn how to protect… Read More
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