Danotra McBride receives 2023 Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced the winners of the 2023 Best-Run Government Awards on May 9, with eight King County employees, leaders, and teams recognized for their outstanding performance, leadership, and innovation. In a surprise ceremony, Executive Constantine announced that Danotra McBride, Director of Jail Health Services, was the winner of the 2023 Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award, the awards’ highest honor. The Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award – named for former Deputy Executive Fred Jarrett, the driving force behind Lean and continuous improvement for nine years at the County –… Read More

Retirement-related calls and emails are not from King County vendors

Several King County employees have reported receiving suspicious calls and emails about retirement and deferred compensation plans. Should anyone claiming to represent King County employee retirement or financial services contact you directly, do not provide them with personal information. Calls are from someone stating they work for Equitable financial services who wants to discuss your deferred compensation plan. This caller does not represent any King County retirement or financial programs. In addition, Equitable is not a provider of any King County retirement or financial plans. In addition, emails have been received with… Read More

May is proclaimed Jewish American Heritage Month

King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month in King County. “Jewish immigrants to America, since their first arrival to our shores in the 16th century, have played a central role in the creation, growth, freedom, prosperity, and strength of the United States of America,” Executive Constantine states in his Proclamation. “Since 2006, the month of May has been celebrated as Jewish American Heritage Month, pursuant to a bipartisan resolution of Congress.” Executive Constantine also recognized the significant contributions Jewish Americans have made “to… Read More

King County receives recognition at annual Women in Trades event

The Washington Women in Trades Job Fair held recently at the Seattle Center brought together a diverse array of talented individuals in the trades industry. The event served as a platform for showcasing the exciting career opportunities available at King County, while highlighting the county’s support for diversity and innovation. The job fair was a vibrant gathering, where attendees had the chance to connect with skilled professionals and explore various career pathways. From carpentry to electrical work, participants engaged with representatives from different trades, gaining insights into the industry’s latest trends and… Read More

Celebrating National Correctional Officers and Employees Week

King County is celebrating National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, which started on Sunday and runs through May 11. King County’s corrections officers and juvenile detention officers perform a critical role in managing people during the most turbulent and vulnerable times of their lives—when they are accused of compromising the safety and wellbeing of the community, resulting in their incarceration. The professionalism and persistence of these employees should make us all proud. They show courage, sacrifice, and resolve that demonstrates commitment and dedication to public safety, while also ensuring that people in… Read More

Executive Constantine proclaims May as Mental Health Month

May is Mental Health Month, dedicated to prioritizing our well-being and promoting open conversations about mental health. At King County, we recognize the importance of mental health and the impact on our personal and professional lives. To support this, King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed May as Mental Health Month. Read the full proclamation below.

Executive Constantine proclaims May as American Asian Native Hawaiian Pasifika Heritage Month

In honor of the invaluable contributions and leadership of American Asians, Native Hawaiians, and Pasifika peoples to every facet of culture and business in the region, King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed May as American Asian Native Hawaiian Pasifika Heritage Month. Read the full proclamation below.

May is Mental Health Month at King County

By Whitney Abrams, Chief People Officer  May is Mental Health Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing our well-being and promoting open conversations about mental health. At King County, we recognize the importance of mental health to our overall health and well-being and we champion each other in support and recovery. We know the impact mental health challenges have on our personal and professional lives. It’s real. And many of us feel these challenges, either personally, or with our loved ones, every single day. This year’s theme from Mental Health America, “Where to… Read More

KCSO kidney donors help the lives of others

There are over 100,000 people in the US in need of a kidney transplant*. Unfortunately, only about 17% receive a transplant annually. This is a story about two King County employees who decided to share one of theirs, and as a result, helping to dramatically change the lives of people in need of a working kidney. When Lynda Kamrath, IT Manager for the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), found out that her partner, Gary, was diagnosed with Stage 4 kidney disease, she decided she would get tested to be a donor as… Read More

Executive Constantine proclaims April as Arab American Heritage Month

People of Arab descent have woven their rich culture and traditions into the fabric of our communities, enhancing the diversity and strength of King County, contributing significantly to our economy, culture, and community through their roles in medicine, law, business, education, technology, government, military service, and more. In recognition of these contributions and their influence on our community, King County Executive Dow Constantine has proclaimed April as Arab American Heritage Month. Read the full proclamation below.