Lead mechanic Derek Harris is Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year
Crossposted from Metro Matters Through 23 years with Metro, lead mechanic Derek Harris has always put customer service first, whether he’s rebuilding engines to keep buses moving or searching with a flashlight to find a driver’s lost wedding ring. Harris was named Thursday as Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year. As he accepted the award, coworkers reiterated his focus on customers, and his patience, leadership and always challenging others to find the best solution. “What I enjoy most about Metro is working with all different types of people and coordinating with… Read More
King County Bureaufasts conquer 200-mile Ragnar Relay
The King County Bureaufasts, a 12-person King County employee running squad, completed the Reebok Ragnar Northwest Passage Relay July 14-15, spanning 200 miles of relay running from Blaine to Langley, WA. With some new faces on the team this year, the King County team shared two days of bonding, cheering, fatigue, and most importantly, a weekend in the Ragnar Bubble. The team trekked through some of the most breathtaking scenic views that the Pacific Northwest has to offer including Mount Baker and Olympic Mountain to Deception Pass and Puget Sound. Each member ran… Read More
Whitney Abrams announces Dave Sarju appointed Director of Human Resources Division
Dear King County Employee, I am excited to announce that King County Executive Dow Constantine has appointed Dave Sarju as Director of Human Resources Division, starting full-time on August 14. Dave has more than 25 years’ experience in developing people, teams and workplace culture in public, private and non-profit organizations and delivering more value to customers. Dave will report to me as Director of Employee Engagement and Support, and play an integral role in implementing Executive Constantine’s Investing in You strategy to ensure we are building a workplace where you have the… Read More
Employee is proud to provide excellent customer service to King County residents
By Jimmy’a (jih-MY-uh) Carter, a summer intern for the Executive’s Office Customer Service team. Jimmy’a, a 16 year old who will be a junior this fall at West Auburn High School, plans to attend a four-year college and get a degree in youth counseling. She joins us from the Bridge to Prosperity mentoring program. What do a fancy clothing store and King County have in common? For Teesha Bailey, serving store customers helped her transition to serving county customers. She currently works as a Confidential Secretary with the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) for Director Adrienne… Read More
Metro employee gets to “Be the boss”
By Hannah Debenedetto, intern with King County Department of Transportation What would you do if you were boss for the day? Metro’s Gerald Freeman found out after winning an employee sweepstakes to “be the boss” of KCDOT Director Harold Taniguchi. As a marketing specialist, Gerald is regularly at community events to help customers sign up for ORCA cards or to answer their questions. This month, Harold joined him for an afternoon helping customers in Metro’s booth at Kent Cornucopia Days. “Harold jumped right into engaging people, answering questions, and referring people to me… Read More
Searching for identity, author earns recognition with story collection
King County employee by day and published author by evening, Donna Miscolta writes novels and short stories inspired by anecdotes that she has witnessed or heard about in her family or within her community. “I take that tiny, true piece and turn it into fiction,” Miscolta said. “From there, it takes on a life of its own, and it’s not really about any specific person, and yet many people recognize a part of themselves in these stories.” Her latest work, “Hola and Goodbye,” is a collection of stories inspired by her grandmother’s journey as an immigrant in the… Read More
Employee uses communications background to connect with community
By Jimmy’a (jih-MY-uh) Carter, a summer intern for the Executive’s Office Customer Service team. Jimmy’a, a 16 year old who will be a junior this fall at West Auburn High School, plans to attend a four-year college and get a degree in youth counseling. She joins us from the Bridge to Prosperity mentoring program. For more than 15 years, Marie Trigona has spent her career using media as a tool for advocacy and engagement. For the last two years, she has done this work as part of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP)…. Read More
Kudos! Resident praises employee for excellent customer service and community impact
The following is a letter from a King County resident giving Kudos to Rita Bellitto, Cable Administrator in the Office of Cable Communications, which helps cable TV subscribers who live in unincorporated King County. Late last year I learned of the existence of and contacted the KC Office of Cable Communications. I spoke with Ms. Rita Bellitto, Cable Administrator. She was fantastic. She took the time to explain what would be involved to have cable services delivered to my neighborhood in Fall City, which is rural and has underground utilities. After almost a decade of my contacting the wrong… Read More
KCVP staff receives shout-out at Seattle Mariners game
Shared from the DCHS Touching Base Newsletter Throughout the season, the Seattle Mariners recognize some of the brave men and women of the United States Military (active, reserve, veteran or retired) at each Friday and Sunday home game as part of their Salute to Those Who Serve program. On June 11 Michelle Bregel from our King County Veterans Program – Seattle office was recognized by the Seattle Mariners for her military service and continued service to the veterans of King County. Michelle served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, Security Police, from 1991-1997. She also… Read More
Health Hero: Chris and his CSA habit
Crossposted from Healthy Incentives Each Thursday this summer, King County Metro operator Chris Cappelletti packs up a fresh box of produce at Atlantic/Central base and buses or bikes it home. The local veggies come from farmers with Pike Place Market Farm to Go CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), a partner in King County’s CSA @Work program. We asked Chris to talk about why he is a CSA subscriber and the other healthy habits that make him tick. How long have you been working for the county? In your current job? I was hired as a part-time driver… Read More
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