Dunn awards Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service to Patti Payne

June 11, 2024

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn on Tuesday awarded civic and community leader Patti Payne with the Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “What are you doing for others?”

“I am so pleased to honor my friend Patti Payne, who not only spent her career as a successful journalist shining a light on uplifting stories and good causes, but has used her platform to support many local non-profits by leading fundraising efforts and serving on a variety of boards,” Dunn said. “Patti is a relentless force for good, and her tireless energy and heart for community service are an inspiration to us all.”

Payne, a 35-plus-year veteran of the news industry, has spent much of her career shining a light on people doing good things and on stories that uplift or have a call to action.

Payne was news anchor, public affairs director and senior correspondent for KIRO Newsradio and the first woman to have a talk show (KIRO FM). Prior to that she spent 13 years with KOMO radio as news anchor and public affairs director; and she was morning drive news co-anchor on KING radio as well.

She has also served on a variety of boards, including Seattle/King County American Red Cross Leadership, KCTS, Urban Enterprise Center, PONCHO, Treehouse and the Greater Seattle Chamber Community Development Roundtable. She was the 2024 co-chair, with her daughter Lee Keller, of The 5th Ave Theatre’s fundraising gala. Her ongoing work with Medic One Foundation as ambassador has resulted in the funding of hundreds of seasoned firefighters, allowing them to sign up for the year-long grueling training they are required to complete. to become Medic One paramedics.

For her tireless work in the community, Payne has received countless awards, among them: Matrix Woman of the Year by Women in Communications, Washington Press Association Torchbearer, Business and Professional Woman of the Year, Lion's Club Woman of the Year, and Big Sisters Leadership Award; Seafair’s Community Spirit Award; Eastside Domestic Violence service honors; and Raven Rock Ranch’s Community Service award.

Payne lives on the Eastside at her long-time wildlife haven she calls “Payne Acres.”

This marks the ninth year that councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question.