King County Metro celebrates Pardeep Kaile, Employee of the Year in Link light rail
Pardeep Kaile is a true triple threat: someone who has made her mark in transit as a bus operator, then in the Streetcar section and currently in Link light rail.
Kaile, a Rail Operation Supervisor, was named King County Metro’s Rail Employee of the Year in Link light rail on Wednesday. Metro supervisors, operators and maintenance staff operate light rail for Sound Transit. She was honored at a ceremony in which colleagues and leaders called her “a tremendous value to the agency,” “nimble and a great problem solver” and someone who “cares deeply about the humans she works with.”
As our region continues to expand, the need for reliable, efficient and sustainable public transportation becomes more critical than ever, and it would not be possible without the workers who keep it moving, transit colleagues said.
“Behind the scenes, it is the dedication and expertise of folks like Pardeep who keep our rail system running safely, efficiently and on time,” said Michelle Allison, Metro’s General Manager. “We all know light rail is not just an alternative to driving—it’s the backbone of our transportation future. Hardworking people like Pardeep make it all possible by supporting every successful train ride and every safe commute.”
“The first time we met, her kindness impacted me,” said Evan Inkster, Metro’s Rail Division Director. “The way she communicates with and treats people is extraordinary! She has left her imprint of care at every location that has been fortunate enough to work with her.”
“At Rail we lead with a people first approach and Pardeep demonstrates her care for our ‘Rail Family’ in every interaction,” said Amanda Nightingale, Rail Operations Section Manager. “She is warm, engaging, and a positive role model to everyone she works with. Pardeep does all this with a steadfast focus on service to our community and ensuring we meet the needs of Rail ridership every day, no matter what the conditions. I am thankful to have Pardeep on the Link team!”
Kaile is a terrific problem solver who is much admired by her teams, said Gabe Rukeyser, Rail Transit Superintendent.
“A role she’s really taken a shine to is that of dispatcher,” Rukeyser said. “That job is like putting a puzzle together, every single day. Plus, it’s the person the operators deal with most frequently, and her people skills are great.
“She’s a fan favorite with the operators.”
Kaile began as a part-time bus operator in 2012, moving quickly to fulltime, he said. She then moved to the Streetcar section, where she worked for five years before moving to Link light rail.
When she’s not working, Kaile “puts her family first,” Rukeyser said. “She puts tremendous value on her immediate and extended family. She also loves gardening—that’s a passion. She finds tranquility in the garden.
“She’s phenomenal,” he concluded. “I would take 100 of her.”
What people are saying:
Her exceptional leadership style prioritizes support, guidance and empowerment, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Pardeep’s fairness, respect and kindness have significantly impacted our operators’ morale, motivation, and performance.
She’s humble and treats everyone with respect and care. We appreciate her dedication and the leadership she brings to the dispatch.
When I work with her, I feel like it’s a family. She is very nice and respects everyone, and always find ways to help all operators. She treats everyone equally and is a good human being.
She is just above and beyond.
From my first meeting Pardeep at Northgate, myself and crew were always greeted with kindness. Pardeep is truly a leader that I admire. Taking time to check in with each of us truly stands out with me.