King County Metro Facilities Division Employee of the Year Edwin Cendejas can explain how a corner-grounded delta works in a transformer. He can show you how to replace lighting in a bus shelter or talk cooking—he’ll let you know the best seasoning around. He is also one of the most easygoing, friendly guys you could meet on the job.

“Metro’s incredible workforce goes beyond our operators and vehicle maintenance crews,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “It’s also the people who keep the county’s many facilities clean, shining and in good working order for the public who depend on us every day. Ed Cendejas embodies the best of Metro Facilities employees, and I’m so pleased to honor him.”

Cendejas, an electrician, started with Metro in April 2022. He came to King County when staffing was low and the workload was high. He brought with him a hard-working attitude following his previous employment in private industry. His colleagues say he adapted fast and willingly to the demands of Facilities, which among other challenges, maintains and cleans 8,000 bus stops throughout King County as well as all Metro bases and administrative offices.

“Anyone who has met Ed knows he’s a hard worker,” said Metro General Manager Michelle Allison. “They know he’s talented—there’s seemingly never a challenge he can’t meet. But mostly, they know what a wonderful guy he is: Ed is the definition of a team player, always ready to help others, whether it’s a coworker or a member of the public. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”

Coworkers say Cendejas meets people where they’re at, whether it’s a Metro colleague or a community member in need of a helping hand. He brings knowledge from every aspect of his life to work and shares it as needed, while also bringing levity to the challenges his team faces.

Cendejas, in short, exceeds the values that guide Metro. His character and influence are felt on every level of the organization he touches, and every single time his name is brought up, people smile and say great things.

Congratulations, Ed!

Metro’s incredible workforce goes beyond our operators and vehicle maintenance crews. It’s also the people who keep the county’s many facilities clean, shining and in good working order for the public who depend on us every day. Ed Cendejas embodies the best of Metro Facilities employees, and I’m so pleased to honor him.

–King County Executive Dow Constantine

Anyone who has met Ed knows he’s a hard worker. They know he’s talented—there’s seemingly never a challenge he can’t meet. But mostly, they know what a wonderful guy he is: Ed is the definition of a team player, always ready to help others, whether it’s a coworker or a member of the public. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.

-Metro General Manager Michelle Allison.

I have known Edwin for a few years, and he has consistently been one of the most giving, open-minded and hardest-working individuals that I have had the pleasure of knowing. When I heard that he was going to be joining the Metro team I knew that he would fit in well, become a rising star and a great asset to power Distribution and Facilities.”

-Layne Eddie, Chief of Power

After almost a year of working with Ed, there are so many good things to say! No matter the task, Ed responds with a smile and a genuine willingness to help. It’s very rare to find a person who actively puts others’ needs above their own, but that person is Ed. If you look up the county’s True North Values, Ed personifies them to the “T.” When I think of someone who would drop anything and help others, it is Ed.

-Kevin Jackson, Electrician

Operating our nationally recognized transit system relies on thousands of people like Edwin Cendejas. Every time you board a bus, ride light rail, take the streetcar or sail on the Water Taxi, our talented staff help you comfortably and safely get where you need to go. Visit kingcounty.gov/MetroCareers to learn more.