Metro’s top bus driver is cheerful, patient, considerate
Quick as a wink, he climbs out of the driver’s seat to help a passenger with her grocery bags. Riders know him by his cheerful smile and say he’s friendly and courteous, and that he looks out for riders who are older and need a helping hand. He even eases the stress riders feel when the whole bus is stuck in congestion. Meet James Turner. At a surprise ceremony today, Metro officials, Turner’s fellow bus drivers and his family shared stories of his kindness and kudos from riders spanning 35 years as… Read More
Walkpools, stepping in a safer direction
The hustle and bustle of vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists in and around our worksites is an everyday reminder that King County employees’ safety should not be overlooked. Safety Labor/Management Committee member GIS Specialist Gunnar Goerlitz is spearheading the coordination of Employee Transportation Program (ETP) Walkpool, a new buddy-up initiative that helps organize employees in numbers. “King County employees, we’ve been listening! Some of you have said you’d feel more comfortable walking to and from work with a buddy or two,” Gunnar said. “The ETP Walkpool option intends specifically to address employee safety… Read More
Powering engagement by focusing on growth and development
Thanks to an Engagement Action Plan focused on the growth and development of employees, Metro Transit’s Power and Facilities Section is serving customers more effectively and efficiently by helping employees grow and maximize their potential. Power and Facilities is a 24/7 operation that maintains the integrity and overall appearance of passenger facilities. Any time day or night employees can be found power washing and emptying garbage receptacles at bus shelters; inspecting, maintaining and repairing trolley bus components; landscaping and maintaining park and ride lots and transit centers; keeping signs readable; and performing… Read More
Job Fair connects White Center teens with employers
The fourth annual Peace ‘N’ the Hood Basketball Tournament at Steve Cox Memorial Park underwent a shakeup with a new component added to benefit teens in White Center: a job fair tailored for teens ages 16-24. Representatives from 30 employers and employment resources participated in the job fair and the attendance goal was nearly doubled, with 150 teens taking part. DNRP Customer Services Coordinator Jody Addicks works at the White Center Teen Program, where the job fair took place. “Justin Cox, who works at Southwest Youth and Family Services and also works… Read More
Leadership transition at KCIT
Dear fellow King County employee, Today Bill Kehoe, Director of our Department of Information Technology, announced that he is leaving King County to pursue a new opportunity that builds on what he’s accomplished here at King County. Bill has led the transformation of KCIT into a technology leader, one that was recently recognized as the 2017 Best IT County in the Nation by the 2017 National Association of Counties. As KCIT Director and Chief Information Officer, Bill turned KCIT into a strategic business partner for all branches of King County. He oversaw… Read More
Celebrating the employees who restored West Point
On Aug. 10, King County Executive Dow Constantine joined Mark Isaacson, Director of the Wastewater Treatment Division, and employees at the West Point wastewater treatment plant for their annual summer potluck to celebrate their commitment and dedication to clean water. Employees worked around the clock to restore normal operations following the Feb. 9 flood at West Point, and the treatment plant is again meeting strict water quality standards. People worked long hours, often in very challenging conditions during the restoration. Employees willingly stepped forward with a spirit of service that is truly inspiring…. Read More
Waterless carwash contract saves 33 gallons per wash
The “spray on, wipe off” method is the latest and most environmentally sustainable way of washing vehicles, saving 33 gallons of water per car wash, and the Fleet Administration Division (Fleet) is a leader in this effort. Fleet recently finalized a five-year contract with Eco Service USA for fleet vehicle cleaning, after using their service on a pay-as-you-go basis for the last year. The new contract is already helping King County tackle climate change and reduce its environmental impact. Fleet Personal Property Supervisor Russ Johnson oversees the Motor Pool Dispatch Program and the Online Reservation System used by King County employees to check out vehicles. “A component of my role is ensuring vehicles are cleaned… Read More
Summer Interns meet with Executive Constantine
By Miguel Estevez Osorio and Von Te’Kwan Dalton, high school summer interns for the Office of Equity and Social Justice and Public Health-Seattle & King County (respectively) through King County’s Lift Every Youth Employment & Mentorship Program Pilot. Recently, King County Executive Dow Constantine met with some of us summer interns from King County’s Lift Every Youth Employment and Mentorship Program Pilot, and Performance, Strategy and Budget’s undergraduate and graduate summer internship initiative. Deputy King County Executive Rhonda Berry, Director of Employee Engagement Whitney Abrams, and Arun Sambataro, Equity Strategies Manager with the Office of Equity and… Read More
Executive Constantine makes four staffing announcements
Last week King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that he is assigning additional duties to two members of his Senior Leadership Team and appointing a new Chief Operating Officer in his office. Deputy Executive Rhonda Berry was appointed to lead inter-agency and community coordination and strategy to further reduce the number of youth in detention; Mike Fong, former Chief of Staff to Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, will serve as Chief Operating Officer in the Executive’s Office; and Senior Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett will lead an initiative to explore new and better ways to serve the people of unincorporated King County. The Executive also recently announced that he has appointed Rachel… Read More
Mario Bailey helps youth get back on track with education and employment opportunities
Crossposted from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Facebook In the early 1990s, Mario Bailey was setting University of Washington football on fire. The Husky Hall of Famer and All American receiver helped take the Huskies to the Rose Bowl twice, scoring four touchdowns at the bowl games and leading the Huskies to a co-national championship in 1991. By the end of his college football career, Mario had shattered several records. He still holds the Husky and PAC-12 record for touchdowns in a season (18), and has the record for career touchdowns… Read More
Employee News 