Team player makes waves, uses military background to connect with County values
In the world of radio communications it’s essential to have a solid team to work with. People who will step up to the plate and get the job done well, whether it’s refurbishing old technology, or preparing for a new, county-wide innovative project. William (Rich) Richardson is just one of those guys, a total team player who goes the extra mile. A retired Army first sergeant, Rich is now a Radio Shop Supervisor and has been with King County Radio Communications since 2005. He is a decorated military veteran with extensive travel… Read More
Attorney gives new meaning to phrase “Grab life by the balls”
Deputy prosecuting attorney Nancy Balin is committed to ensuring justice for her community. Originally from Massachusetts and intent on pursuing her Master’s in Social Work, she instead focused on a law degree and never looked back. She’s been with King County since 1999 and admits that while it can be challenging work, she enjoys it. “There are always multiple things happening at once, it’s never boring here,” she said. “Aside from all our regular duties, we’ve also got to balance and prioritize what’s important. We’re conscious every day that we work for… Read More
Bringing women to the forefront in technology
This article is featured courtesy of Jamie Holter, Communications Manager, Department of Information Technology In honor of International Women’s Day (March 8), meet Diana Chism, King County IT for Production Operations. She’s been working in IT with the County for 26 years, yet still considers herself growing and learning. She has advice for women entering the tech world. Sit AT the table! “When you are invited to a meeting, have a seat at the table, literally! Women tend to sit along the outside and give men the seat closest to the center… Read More
IT Governance: What it is and why it matters
This article is featured courtesy of Bill Kehoe, Chief Information Officer, Department of Information Technology Governor Inslee’s investigation into the Department of Corrections’ early prisoner release issue cited “IT Governance” as a key contributing factor. What exactly is IT Governance? In short, it analyzes the need, researches the solution, takes advice from public and private sector experts, and creates an open environment to expose and fix errors quickly. More technically, IT Governance is an approach to IT solutions that integrates business needs, technology trends, innovation, best practices and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)… Read More
Five Questions with Heather Barr, Public Health Nurse
1. When did you start as a Public Health Nurse with King County? 30-plus years ago. I started out in the Jail as a Registered Nurse in 1984. I met a nurse there (Kathryn Crawford) who asked me what I wanted to do with my career. I told her I liked to work with homeless people, and people with addictions. She said “I have the perfect job for you, I am leaving a position at the tuberculosis clinic running a drug trial for the Centers for Disease Control, most of my patients are alcoholic… Read More
Administrative Professional recognized by peers
Like all King County departments and agencies, the Human Resources Division is working on multiple wide-ranging programs and requests at any one time, and its employees rely heavily on the support of its administrative professionals to deliver services to County employees and customers. Ask any HRD employee and they’ll likely tell you that the reason the division is able to run smoothly is administrator Kimberly Robinson, who recently celebrated 10 years with King County and HRD. Robinson is a member of the HRD Administrative Team that provides high level administrative support to… Read More
Five Questions with Mei Barker, Human Resource Analyst, Human Resources Division
1. What was your first role with King County? My first role with King County was to provide administrative support to the Public Health Tuberculosis Control Program, mainly processing billing reconciliations and special projects. About a year later I began my career in Human Resources with Superior Court. 2. What do you do in your role with Human Resources Division (HRD)? I handle the civil service recruitments for the Sheriff’s Office, as a member of the Compensation and Employment Services Section of HRD. 3. How is the process for hiring Sheriff’s Office employees different… Read More
Five Questions with Dawn Barrett, Social Worker/Veterans Program, Community & Human Services
1. What was your first role at King County? My first role for King County was in 2004 as a Social Worker for the out-of-school young adults enrolled in our YouthSource program in Renton. I recall my fascination with the size of the team and the innovative and creative programs they were implementing such as Youth Build and Digital Bridge; both aimed to achieve education and employment outcomes to combat income inequalities for this population. The team was incredible at creating a safe and fun place for learning while investing in the… Read More
Five Questions with Emmanuel Rivera, Health & Environmental Investigator III, Natural Resources & Parks
1. What was your first role at King County? My first role at King County involved working within the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program (LHWMP) as a Health and Environmental Investigator. As part of the Survey Team, I did business cold calls throughout King County regarding proper use, storage and disposal of hazardous products and waste. 2. What do you do as a Health and Environmental Investigator? As an HE&I III, I am currently the outreach coordinator for LHWMP’s Indoor Chemical Hazards project. My primary function is to provide outreach to underserved… Read More
Five Questions with Nori Catabay, Green Building Team Program Manager, Department of Natural Resources & Parks
1. What was your first role at King County? I started at King County in 2002 as the Senior Policy Analyst to King County Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds working on legislation related to Natural Resources and Parks and the Board of Health. 2. What does your work with the Green Building Team involve? As a service provided by the King County GreenTools Program funded by the Solid Waste Division, I coordinate King County’s internal Green Building Team which includes representatives from multiple departments that manage and operate capital assets, as well as have an… Read More
Employee News 