The recently held Washington Women in Trades “Dream Big Dinner” honored the legacy of “Rosies” – a nickname for “Rosie the Riveter” – women who worked in factories during World War II. The award ceremony recognized the successes and challenges of working women, as well as students, advocates, and workplace leaders. The event was attended on behalf of King County by Joe Baca, a Community Workforce Agreement Administrator in the Department of Natural Resources and Parks’ Wastewater Treatment Division, and Samantha Kealoha, Labor Equity Program Manager with the Department of Executive Services Finance and Business Operations Division. The two were… Read More

Crossposted from Inside Transportation  The newly appointed Deputy Director of the Department of Local Services adheres to a fundamental rule when working to solve problems.  Don’t complicate things.  “I like to keep things simple,” Danielle de Clercq says. “Break it down to the basics. The simpler we can define the problem, the easier it is to solve.”  De Clercq’s approach has helped the Dutch-speaking, outdoor enthusiast empower people throughout her 30-year career. Whether she was shepherding the exponential growth of a solid waste startup, administering health education grant applications worth millions of dollars, or… Read More

Crossposted from Inside Transportation  The Metropolitan King County Council on Monday gave its unanimous approval to the appointment of John Taylor to lead the newly formed Department of Local Services that is set to begin operations at the beginning of the year. Taylor, appointed by County Executive Dow Constantine in October, now formally serves as the director of the department that will better coordinate and deliver direct services to the nearly 250,000 people who live in unincorporated King County.  “John has worked in the unincorporated area and has already established wonderful working… Read More

This is the third installment in our video series featuring employees talking about why they chose a King County career. As part of King County’s recruitment efforts we are highlighting how employees feel empowered through their jobs to make a difference in our community. Here meet Marcus, Criminal Justice Policy and Strategy Section Manager. Learn more about our careers at www.KingCounty.gov/jobs.  

As part of King County’s recruitment efforts we have produced a series of videos featuring employees talking about why they chose a King County career and how they are making a difference in our community. Meet Yuka, Treatment Case Manager. Learn more about our careers at www.KingCounty.gov/jobs.

KCIT Electronics Communications Specialist Ric Myers was assigned the task of finding a vendor to install a bi-directional Amplifier system (BDA) in the Shoreline Police Department’s new building, located at Shoreline City Hall. After he received the bids, Ric declared he would do the work himself. Ric, along with coworkers Aaron Oestmann and Sean Bachler, ran cable and installed antenna systems throughout the Shoreline Police headquarters, saving thousands of dollars and completing the project three months ahead of schedule. Because of Ric’s great attitude and great customer service, Shoreline Police have made him their… Read More

Crossposted from Balanced You  Karin Collinsworth is a familiar face to many employees. For the past 10 years, she has taught yoga twice a week in the Chinook Building’s Activity Center. Teaching the stretching art to County employees is her way of giving back. “I learned early on how important exercise is to reduce stress and be healthy, so I enjoy showing my co-workers how they can achieve both through yoga,” says Karin.  Karin is a systems analyst for King County Information Technology (KCIT). When she isn’t solving a systems crisis or teaching yoga,… Read More