Boliek announces Beth Wood internship, honors ex-auditor

A new internship program in the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor named after former state auditor Beth Wood was announced earlier this week by State Auditor Dave Boliek.

He made the announcement at Tuesday’s Council of State meeting, noting that she made history in 2009 by becoming the first woman to serve as the state auditor in the state.

The paid internship will be under the office’s financial audit division and will involve performing audit tests, analyzing data, and supporting more advanced audit procedures.

It will begin in the fall and is open to rising seniors or graduate students majoring in accounting (or related program) from an accredited/college or university with a minimum 3.0 GPA. More details can be found on the NCOSA website.

After serving for nearly 15 years, Wood announced in November 2023 that she would not run for re-election in 2024. Soon after, she would resign from office after a series of tragic events, including being indicted by a Wake County grand jury for using a state vehicle for private purposes. She pleaded guilty the following month.

The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) conducted an eight-month investigation into Wood’s use of state-owned vehicles before and after the Dec. 8, 2022, accident when she hit a parked car owned by Chris Valverde of Pinehurst, near the intersection of Salisbury and Hargett Streets in downtown Raleigh.

She pleaded guilty to the hit and run charge in March 2023.

Wood officially endorsed Boliek in the 2024 auditor’s race.

Wood, who is also doing contract work for the auditor’s office, was in attendance at the Council of State meeting.

“I asked her to come today so that the public could be able to congratulate her and thank her for her work on behalf of the people of North Carolina,” Boliek said.

Following the meeting, he also awarded her with the Cardinal Award, which was created by Boliek to “honor individuals who care for their home and community resources, much like the state bird vigilantly guards its nest” to honor Wood for her work on government efficiency and accountability.

“I’m very thankful to her and grateful for her experience and sending that experience continually to the people of North Carolina,” he concluded.

“Boliek announces Beth Wood internship, honors ex-auditor” was originally published on www.carolinajournal.com.