Embattled Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano has named a new director and deputy of personnel and human resources and a director of communications. He also has named a new assistant county executive.

 “We are excited to have these individuals join our new team,” said Ficano. “The focus remains unchanged from what began last fall: assembling a team of exceptionally talented professionals and getting back to the basics, a common-sense approach to county government.” 

Tish King takes over as director of personnel and human resources. She brings over 12 years of experience in managing all aspects of human resources including employment, labor relations, benefits management, risk management and employee training. Most recently, she was Vice President of human resources at Greektown Casino-Hotel where she developed the organizational infrastructure for the new casino and the opening of the 400-room hotel.

Kenneth Wilson will join the County as deputy director of personnel/director of labor relations. Wilson has extensive experience with municipal and commercial labor and employment law. As a private attorney, he has built a significant practice over the past ten years and has represented Michigan municipalities including the City of Detroit. He is active in the Michigan Public Employment Relations Association and the Labor & Employment section of the State Bar of Michigan.

New director of communications, June West, returns to Wayne County after working as a private consultant for the past nine years. West brings 30 years of experience in communications in both the private and public sector with extensive knowledge of Wayne County government and public issues.  Since 2003, West has provided strategic communication counsel to a wide variety of non-profits, public and private sector clients and guided them on public affairs, crisis management and communications issues.

June Lee has been named assistant county executive and will oversee a portfolio of County departments including Corporation Counsel, Children and Family Services, Health and Human Services and Homeland Security.  He will also be part of the management team for the new jail construction project. Lee joined Wayne County in 2009 as a senior executive project manager working with executive staff on a variety of projects including administering the County’s “Managing for Results” performance-based service delivery program across all county departments.