Walla Walla County formally appoints Cheryl Park as county auditor

Cheryl Park was formally appointed Feb. 2 to serve as Walla Walla County auditor, filling the seat left vacant by Karen Martin’s retirement effective Dec. 31, 2025.

The appointment was presented by Diane, the clerk of the board, who told commissioners that the county’s Republican party provided three nominees and the board conducted interviews. Commissioner Clayton read the resolution formalizing the appointment: "We are resolving that Cheryl Park will be formally appointed as Walla Walla County Auditor to serve until a successor is elected at the next general election and shall have qualified pursuant to Article 2, Section 15 of the Washington State Constitution," he said. The board noted Park would be sworn in by the Superior Court judge at 4 p.m. the same day.

Commissioners moved and seconded the resolution and approved it on a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Kimball congratulated Park and said he looked forward to working with her; Commissioner Fulmer welcomed her to "the county family." Park was in chambers for the action and was acknowledged from the dais.

The appointment fills the county’s auditor vacancy and places an elected, partisan officeholder in the role until the next general election, when voters will choose a successor. The clerk indicated the swearing-in would be administered by Judge Johnson of Superior Court that afternoon.

The board took the action during its regular public meeting; there were no separate conditions attached to the vote. The resolution formalizing Park’s appointment was entered into the public record and the motion passed unanimously.