Five Questions with Cynthia Hernandez, Project/Program Manager IV, DNRP
1. What was your first role at King County? I was hired to work as the Correspondence Manager for County Executive Ron Sims when he first became Executive in 1997. In those days most constituent correspondence came as paper mail addressed to the Executive, so I coordinated with departments to get those letters answered. I did some community engagement ghostwriting for the Executive on everything from proclamations and recognitions to talking points and book chapters. I also wrote the first “customer service” policies we had for responding to constituent inquiries and oversaw the… Read More
Transit employee makes “Top 40 under 40” list
Christina O’Claire, supervisor of strategic planning and analysis (Service Development) for Metro Transit, was named in September by Mass Transit magazine as one of its 2014 “Top 40 under 40.” This list honors transit professionals who made significant contributions to the public transit industry. Nominated by peers, honorees were judged on job commitment, industry involvement and contributions, achievements, and innovation in their field. O’Claire was cited for “helping King County Metro move into the future through an evolving array of strategic performance and planning initiatives.” She is currently working to keep Metro… Read More
Kudos! New video spotlights program that gives veterans new skills
King County is partnering with 4Culture, Historic Seattle and local construction firms to give returning military veterans new skills that they can use in building restoration and preservation careers. VETS RESTORE is a new education and career opportunity for returning military veterans in King County where participants are trained in preservation carpentry and introduced to the building rehabilitation trades. The mission of VETS RESTORE is to connect veterans with the valuable work of revitalizing America’s historic building stock. In this video, Bryan Fry with the King County Veterans’ Program shares how diverse opportunities,… Read More
CASA volunteers help keep children safe
What makes a good Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, according to Peggy Larson, is someone who has a commitment to helping children. “They get the reward of knowing they’ve made a difference in a child’s life,” Larson said. Larson, a CASA Supervisor at the Maleng Regional Justice Center who works with CASA volunteers, has been at King County for 25 years. “It’s a great job. I love working with our volunteers. They’re such interesting people and they do so much on behalf of the kids,” Larson said.
Training Series: Leadership in a Changing Landscape
Take advantage of a series of three training opportunities that will build your leadership skills and help you manage change in difficult circumstances: Change Management for Leaders, December 2, 9 am – 4:30 pm, Seattle Marriott Waterfront, 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle Performance Under Pressure, December 3, 9 am – 3 pm, Seattle University, Campion Towers, 305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109 Workforce of the Future: Managing Millenials, December 4, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Bell Harbor Conference Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Seattle. You can take all three classes or individual classes depending… Read More
Executive meets with employees, volunteers who are “a voice for children”
In neglect and abuse cases involving children, a vital role is played by a group of volunteers known as CASAs. King County Executive Dow Constantine recently visited some of the employees and volunteers from the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program in Kent to learn more, and thank them for their care and support of children going through traumatic times. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained volunteer who represents the best interests of children up to 11 years old who have allegedly been abused and/or neglected as they are… Read More
Last chance to snag a great holiday gift!
Save up to 43% off Chinook Books and get access to over 500 coupons to your favorite local merchants. Due to demand, this offer expires on November 30, 2014. Order as a group with your colleagues and pay just one shipping fee. Click here to place your order. Available in print and mobile editions. See all available discounts on the Employee Discount Webpage.
Lunch and Learn honors veterans
When he entered the civilian workforce, Navy veteran Bryan Fry says one of the hardest parts was finding the “red line.” “In a blink, your military career is over. You’re done. Time to go home, time to get a job. But, where’s the red line? How do I integrate back home? I had a relationship with order, I had a relationship with the red line and it’s not there anymore,” Fry said at a King County Lunch and Learn called “Increasing Understanding of Our Veteran Employees.” Moderated by Fry, who is now… Read More
Time is running out for Holiday Food Drive
Falling leaves and falling temperatures mean the giving season will soon be here. However, for many families in King County, this time of year is difficult. They struggle to make ends meet, especially as the weather turns colder and heating bills rise. For many years now, King County employees have demonstrated their generosity and giving spirit by donating canned and pre-packaged food to our Holiday Food Drive. Collection bins have been stationed at most King County buildings to accept your donations. Donations will be accepted in the bins through Friday, Nov. 21…. Read More
New Website features Martin Luther King County’s African American History
The website http://www.BlackPast.org has created a special section on the history of notable African-American residents of King County. The site includes brief profiles of the individuals, organizations, institutions and events that shaped the history of King County. Biographies include Edwin T. Pratt, Norm Rice, Jimi Hendrix, Larry Gossett and Wanda Herndon. Also included are primary documents, speeches, bibliographies, and a photo gallery related to that history. See more here. The website was created with the help of a grant from 4Culture, King County’s cultural service agency.
Employee News 