King County Executive Ron Sims has been picked by American City and County Magazine as its County Leader of the Year for 2008.

Sims received the award Monday during the annual meeting of the National Association of Counties in Kansas City, Kan.

In a cover story about the award, the magazine cited Sims’ efforts on expanding transit service, healthcare coverage for uninsured children, the regional Puget Sound Health Alliance, a new flood control program and climate change, the latter on local and national levels.

“This award is really about the excellent work of the employees of King County,” said Sims. “It also represents the public’s support for the work we’re doing to ensure the highest quality of life.”