Kittitas County Coroner

Cori McKean stepped into the role of Coroner after the passing of Coroner Nicholas Henderson – an honor and responsibility she approached with deep respect. Known for her steady leadership and compassion, she serves as the final guardian of dignity, accuracy, and truth during families’ most difficult moments. Though much of a coroner’s work is unseen, its impact is lasting: offering clarity, protecting the truth, and guiding loved ones through profound loss. Throughout her years in the office, Cori has worked alongside dedicated colleagues through complex and emotional situations. What stays with her most is not the technical work, but the people – families seeking answers, communities needing reassurance, and the quiet moments when compassion mattered most. Her commitments reflect those values: Thorough, respectful work Support for families Continuous learning Transparency and trust Every day, Cori strives to serve with professionalism, integrity, and humanity. Every life deserves respect. Every family deserves care. And every interaction is an opportunity to show compassion at its best.

I have worked with grieving families, attended training seminars, and mentored interns entering the field of medicolegal death investigation. These experiences have strengthened both my understanding of the responsibilities of this office and my dedication to the people we serve. With more than 25 years of experience in healthcare, I have developed a strong foundation built on compassion, empathy, and trust. My career includes serving as a Nationally Certified Anesthesia Technician at Harborview Medical Center and University of Washington Medical Center, where I worked as a key member of the anesthesia team in high-pressure medical environments that demanded professionalism, attention to detail, and teamwork. I lead with integrity, treating others with respect, and remaining calm and compassionate during difficult situations. I believe these qualities are essential for building a collaborative and unified Coroner’s Office that serves the community with dignity and professionalism. If elected Coroner, my priorities will be to modernize investigations, improve the accountability of the office, and rebuild a team-centered culture. I believe that through training, thorough investigations, and transparency, we can restore confidence in the office. Thank you for considering my candidacy. It would be an honor to serve the people of Kittitas County as your Coroner.