Walla Walla County Commissioners appoint Sheryl Park as new county auditor
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – On Monday, the Walla Walla County Commissioners unanimously appointed Sheryl Park as the new county auditor. Park, a local tax preparer, fills the vacancy created by the resignation of former auditor Karen Martin on December 31, 2025.
Because the outgoing auditor was a Republican, the county’s Republican Party provided three nominees for consideration: Park, information technology specialist Beth Daves, and high school teacher William Plucker.
While Commissioner Bertha Clayton initially expressed a preference for Daves – citing her project management and government information technology experience – the board ultimately gravitated toward Park. Chairman Todd Kimball and Commissioner Gunner Fulmer emphasized that Park’s extensive accounting and financial background made her the most qualified candidate for the role.
The auditor’s office is often described as the county’s “nerve center.” The position carries significant weight, overseeing the county budget and payroll, elections and recording, vehicle licensing, and accountability measures with the state auditor’s office.
State law required the vacancy to be filled within 60 days to avoid the decision falling to the governor. However, Park’s tenure is subject to the upcoming 2026 election cycle; she must run for office this year to serve out the remainder of the term.
Park’s appointment will be formalized via resolution on Feb. 2, followed by orientation on Feb. 4-5.
