Beth Wood, the North Carolina State Auditor, has announced her resignation from her elected post effective next month. This decision comes just two days after she was indicted on charges of misusing her state-owned vehicle for personal activities. Wood, a Democrat who has been serving as auditor since 2008, had already stated last week that she would not seek reelection in 2024. The indictment was the result of an eight-month investigation by state agents, which began after Wood was cited for leaving the scene of a crash in December 2022 when she collided her state-owned vehicle with a parked car. She pleaded guilty to misdemeanor hit-and-run charges in March.
In a written statement, Wood expressed her decision to step down as State Auditor on December 15, 2023, after completing 30 years of service to the state. She stated that she did not want to be a distraction and commended her team for their important work. Wood also mentioned her privilege to serve the citizens of North Carolina and work with a talented staff.
According to the state constitution, Governor Roy Cooper, a Democrat, will appoint someone to fulfill the remainder of Wood’s four-year term until the end of 2024. Cooper has the option to name an interim auditor before making a permanent appointment. Wood informed the governor of her resignation decision on Thursday.
The recent indictment alleged that Wood used her assigned state-owned vehicle for personal activities such as hair appointments, dental appointments out of town, and trips to shopping centers and spas, where she was not conducting official business. Wood, 69, expressed disappointment with Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman for bringing charges against her. She claimed to have reimbursed the state for personal use of the car by overpaying for commute miles.
Wood, a certified public accountant and Craven County native, worked in the State Auditor’s Office for almost a decade before defeating incumbent Auditor Les Merritt in the 2008 election. The state auditor’s position is one of ten within the Council of State, which also includes the governor, attorney general, and other statewide executive branch officials.
In her previous announcement regarding not seeking reelection, Wood acknowledged making mistakes and learning from them. She expressed her desire to pursue a public speaking career. The governor’s office will provide more information about the appointment process for the vacant auditor position in the coming days.
