Since the beginning of Carol Hallen's tenure at Highline Medical Center, even the hospital's name has changed.

Thirty-six years and four bosses later, Hallen is ready to retire. Over the course of her long stint at the facility, she has observed the evolution of not only the medical center, but also the surrounding community.

When she arrived at Highline Community Hospital to work as a technologist, she recalled, the facility was significantly smaller and more limited.

"Now it is a medical center," she said, "and for this community, that's been a wonderful thing."

After some time spent working with EEG machines, she began to work in human resources administration, and later in the marketing department.

Recently she has worked with the Southwest King County Chamber of Commerce and Discover Burien on behalf of the hospital, and she pointed to the new city hall and library as signs that Burien is growing up.

One constant during Hallen's time at the medical center has been the high caliber of her colleagues. Asked to identify her favorite part of her job, she immediately said, "the people," mentioning staff members, board members, and patients. She hopes her coworkers will remember her as a team player who tried to be as available and helpful as she could.

According to the medical center's CEO, Mark Benedum, Hallen will likely get her wish. "Carol's legacy is one of service and caring," he said. He and Hallen have worked together for 26 years.

Hallen plans to begin her retirement with a trip to Europe. After she returns, she will begin work as a CASA volunteer, advocating for foster children in court." She noted it is a job that needs doing."

She will also take the opportunity to catch up with friends and spend time with her grandchildren, in addition to taking a well-deserved break.