Summary

King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked the Metropolitan King County Council for confirming his appointee for Director of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD). Claudia Balducci has served in an acting capacity since October.

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King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked the Metropolitan King County Council for confirming his appointee for Director of the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD). Claudia Balducci has served in an acting capacity since October.

"Claudia has earned respect in the corrections community and the region at large, and her unique combination of experience with labor and with cities provides a foundation for continued strong partnerships," said Executive Constantine. "She brings intelligence, a willingness to listen, and enthusiasm that will help lead us to continued improvements in the safety of the public, inmates and staff at our facilities."

"I'm honored for the opportunity to lead the King County Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, and work with our dedicated and professional staff," said Balducci. "The Council and the public can be assured that we will always strive to provide cost-efficient, safe, secure and humane jail facilities and community correction programs."

Ms. Balducci has been with the County in a number of complex roles since 1999. Most recently, she served as the county's Settlement Coordinator with the U.S. Department of Justice during the federal agency's scrutiny of improvements to inmate care at the King County Jail. She previously served at DAJD as Operations Manager, as regional jail coordinator, and as a labor negotiator.

Balducci has served on the Bellevue City Council since 2004. Before coming to King County, Balducci was an associate attorney specializing in employer-side labor relations and employment law with local firms.