Advances made in building a more representative King County
New data shows that King County continues to make progress towards its goal of a County workforce that truly reflects the communities we serve. Since 2016, King County has had the stated goal of ensuring its workforce is racially diverse and culturally responsive at all levels of the organization, consistent with the region’s demographics, with a particular focus on positions within the top 20 percent of pay. “King County is rapidly changing,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said. “More people are choosing to live and work here because of everything this region… Read More
Celebrating Pride and the fight for equality
Dear fellow King County employee, This month we celebrate Pride and the fight for equality and equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people, along with the many accomplishments and contributions they have made in our communities here in King County and around the world. It is also a time to reflect on the adversities that LGBTQIA+ people have faced throughout history and their courage in the ongoing struggle against injustice. As you may know, Pride began as a protest against discrimination and police violence, in the form of the Stonewall Uprising in New York… Read More
Recipient of BRG Innovation Award for Cost helped stabilize region’s behavioral healthcare system
A team comprised of employees from the Behavioral Health and Recovery Division, Finance and Compliance Services, and Performance Measurement and Evaluation in the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is the recipient of the 2023 Best-Run Government (BRG) Innovation Award for Cost. The award was one of eight announced by Executive Dow Constantine in a video. The Behavioral Health Medicaid Rate Increase Project Team was instrumental in increasing rates for behavioral health providers, who have been struggling to attract and retain staff at a time when the County seeks to increase access… Read More
Natural Resources and Parks’ Recruitment Standards Project receives Innovation Award for People
Like many organizations today, King County is facing challenges in filling vacant positions amid shortages in the labor market and fierce competition for talent. In addition, the County’s commitment to Equity, Racial, and Social Justice means that embedding pro-equity practices into its processes is crucial in advancing these efforts. Delays in the hiring process can result in the loss of talented candidates to other organizations or opportunities, making it harder to fill critically important positions. The Human Resources team in the Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) realized that it could… Read More
BRG Leadership Excellence Award for Individual Contributor
Alicia Martinez, from the Department of Community and Human Services/Developmental Disabilities and Early Childhood Supports Division, has been honored as the winner of the Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award for an Individual Contributor. Executive Constantine launched the Best-Run Government Awards – formerly known as the Performance Excellence Awards – in 2018. Best-Run Government is our commitment to continuously improve the equity, efficiency, and effectiveness of how King County operates. The awards recognize individuals and project teams in the Executive branch for their exceptional contributions in innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement at King… Read More
BRG Leadership Excellence Award for People Leader
Congratulations to Mike Bacnis, Finance/Accounting Supervisor for DES/FBOD, for winning the 2023 Best-Run Government Leadership Excellence Award for a People Leader. The Executive launched the Best-Run Government Awards – formerly known as the Performance Excellence Awards – in 2018 to recognize individuals and project teams In the Executive branch for their exceptional contributions in innovation, leadership, and continuous improvement at King County. The Leadership Excellence Award for a People Leader honors someone who manages staff and has made significant and tangible leadership contributions to developing the Executive branch values in others, improving… Read More
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
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
Building bridges between KCSO and the community through Special Olympics
Cross-posted from the Sheriff’s Newsletter When he was 18 years old, Dylan Centanino-Sweers began volunteering as a Special Olympics coach. Through this opportunity, he found a passion for working with the athletes and building relationships in the community. Now, as a deputy at the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), he’s able to see two things he values come together. “Given the challenging nature of our job and sometimes inherent negativity in the police profession, I hold on to the sheer positivity that the athletes exude when they compete in their events,” said… Read More
Employee News 