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Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service 2026
Each year since 2015, the King County Council has honored nine people in the county for their outstanding contributions to their communities. In 2015, Councilmember Rod Dembowski sponsored the legislation that established the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service, to be awarded to a person who has answered Dr. King's question, "What are you doing for others?", chosen by each district's councilmember. The certificate given with the medal at the annual awards ceremony reads in part:
"The ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the foremost civil and human rights leader in the United States, are held high at King County. King County was redesignated in his honor and the county logo bears his likeness. Dr. King’s vision of equity and social justice is infused throughout the programs and services of county government."
Below are the recipients of the medal in 2026, with a brief video about their accomplishments:
District 1: Diane Hettrick
Editor and Founder, Shoreline Area News
Diane Hettrick has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” through her dedication and commitment to community service in keeping Shoreline residents informed and connected through her freely available journalism.
District 2: Gregory Davis
Rainier Beach Action Coalition
Gregory Davis has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” through his leadership in advancing equity, opportunity, and advocacy in the Rainier Beach community and beyond.
District 3: Edward Christian
Detective, Search and Rescue Coordinator, King County Sheriff’s Office
Edward Christian has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by committing over 40 years of his life to public service, including 21 years as a Search and Rescue Duty Officer and 14 years as King County’s Search and Rescue Coordinator. He has helped thousands of individuals and families find their loved ones in critical situations and is widely respected for his expertise, exceptional skills, and leadership. We are deeply grateful for his service.
District 4: Dominique Alex
Chief Executive Officer, Mary’s Place
Dominique Alex has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by working to end family homelessness and by being a champion for women, families, and children.
District 5: Gwen Allen Carston
Executive Director, Kent Black Action Commission
Gwen Allen Carston has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by dedicating more than 50 years to advancing equity, civic engagement, and social justice across King County.
District 6: Ken Wong
Eastside Race and Leadership Coalition, Eastside Pathways
Ken Wong has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by helping and empowering youth in Redmond, Bellevue, and beyond, and promoting equity and lifelong learning through his leadership of Eastside Race & Leadership Coalition.
District 7: Ken and Jesse Johnson
Federal Way High School Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Ken and Jesse Johnson have responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by dedicating themselves to advocating for high school pre-apprenticeship trades programs in the Federal Way School District, which is giving students access to family-wage jobs.
District 8: Makini Howell
Vegan Chef, Restaurateur, Cookbook Author, Food Producer, and Community Advocate
Makini Howell has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by dedicating her life work to connecting people through healthy plant-based foods and serving as a leader and advocate for economic and social justice in our communities.
District 9: Major Ariana G. Linse Savino
United States Air Force
Major Ariana Savino has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” with a life dedicated to civil service and volunteerism.