DNRP employees receive praise for considerate customer service
Two employees from the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP), Parks Division, were recently highlighted on LinkedIn for the positive and friendly way in which they interacted with a King County resident. While replacing old benches with wood repurposed from parks around the county, carpenters Rob Lohr and Wojciech Maciejewski were approached by a resident who enjoyed their professionalism and courtesy. Here is the original recognition posted on LinkedIn, and here is a brief video of the excellent carpentry work they do.
Simon P. Foster announced as new Director of Housing, Homelessness and Community Development
The King County Department of Community and Human Services recenlty announced Simon P. Foster as the new Division Director for Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development. Foster brings more than a decade of experience leading strategic initiatives, operationalizing programs and policies, and connecting with communities. Foster led teams among a diverse range of industries, including behavioral health, transportation, homelessness, and federal and state funding programs. He most recently led operations for the Salvation Army Northwest Division. Read more.
Allen Nance confirmed to oversee the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention
By Noah Haglund, DAJD Communications Specialist Allen Nance will bring more than three decades of criminal justice experience as he takes on some of our region’s most important public safety issues. The Metropolitan King County Council voted Tuesday, Sept. 6 to confirm Nance as the Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD). The vote formally approves his leadership of the County’s jails, youth detention facility, and community corrections programs. He had been serving as Director-designee for just over two months. “There’s a lot of difficult work and many complex… Read More
King County’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan survey
King County is starting a once-a-decade update to its Comprehensive Plan, which guides where people live, work, and play in unincorporated King County. To ensure that King County will be a welcoming community where every person can thrive, the 2024 update will focus on policies related to racial equity, affordable housing, and climate change. To achieve this goal, King County employees and residents are encouraged to participate in a survey to provide input. Click here to learn more.
County communicators partner with ethnic media representatives to help all communities
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Representatives from community and ethnic media outlets met with regional public information officers and communication professionals recently to develop better relationships and improve communication to all communities in the King County region. More than 90 people attended the open house, coordinated by King County’s Office of Emergency Management and the Department of Natural Resources and Parks. Read more.
Get caught up on your preventive care
Preventive Care is a term that means routine health care services, such as check-ups, screenings, and tests, to prevent illnesses and health problems. King County health plans have reported that preventive screenings have declined among our employee population. Scheduling your annual well-visit with your Primary Care Provider is the best way to stay on top of your long-term health. As a King County employee, preventive screenings are 100% covered by your health plan—you pay nothing. Learn more about how to get caught up with your preventive care on the Balanced You blog.
Do you qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program?
As a King County employee, you might be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The U.S. Department of Education is allowing a one-time exception to give borrowers credit for payments that may not have qualified in the past for forgiveness. Please forward your completed application form to your department payroll representatives for verification. The deadline for submission is Monday, Oct. 31, 2022. Please note, PSLF is different from the one-time student loan debt relief of up to $20,000. PSLF is a program for people who work in public service in federal, state, tribal,… Read More
Congratulations, Captain Thomas, for 40 years of exemplary service
Excerpted from King County Sheriff’s Office Weekly Newsletter Captain Greg Thomas recently was awarded his 40-year coin after four decades of commendable service to the Sheriff’s Office. As the second-most senior member in the agency, he’s served in many capacities but has found his heart in honoring Fallen Officers. In his current role serving as Chief of Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting, he offers extraordinary leadership and serves as a role model to all, including his legacy within the department. Read more.
Terry Moon, Metro’s Operator of the Year
Cross-posted from Metro Matters King County Metro bus operator Terry Moon has been awarded the department’s highest honor, 2021 Operator of the Year. Moon was surprised with the recognition at a ceremony celebrating his award at Metro’s Atlantic Base. He was chosen by 84 fellow 2021 Operators of the Month as the “best of the best.” Read more.
Regional Animal Services hosts ElleVet Project
Cross-posted from Executive Services Express Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) leaders and staff know that helping pets and people go hand (or paw) in hand, so to speak. To that end, they recently hosted the ElleVet Project, a non-profit organization that travels to various locations to help pets of people without housing. Read more.
Employee News 