<div>A month ago, my life changed in a way I never expected.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>After dedicating my career to protecting public funds and ensuring financial accountability, I was terminated from my position as Director of Finance and Port Auditor at the Port of Benton during a public meeting.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Read here about the POB:
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/port-recall-staff-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/port-recall-staff-dispute" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.tricitiesbusinessnews.com/articles/port-recall-staff-dispute</a></a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://keprtv.com/news/local/recall-effort-targets-all-three-port-of-benton-commissioners-after-investigation-findings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://keprtv.com/news/local/recall-effort-targets-all-three-port-of-benton-commissioners-after-investigation-findings" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://keprtv.com/news/local/recall-effort-targets-all-three-port-of-benton-commissioners-after-investigation-findings</a></a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/politics-government/article314547284.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/politics-government/article314547284.html" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/politics-government/article314547284.html</a></a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I believe this happened after I raised concerns related to financial oversight and compliance — the very responsibilities my profession requires me to take seriously. To my knowledge, those concerns were raised in good faith and through appropriate channels. The circumstances surrounding my termination are now part of an ongoing matter.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>What I do know is this:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Doing the right thing sometimes comes with a cost.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>For most of my career, I have worked in public service. Before becoming a finance director, I served as a State Auditor and Fraud Specialist, auditing federal, state, and local governments. My job was to identify risks, protect taxpayer resources, and ensure transparency.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Integrity has always been the foundation of my work.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>But after losing my job, I now find myself in a difficult position —possibly starting over professionally while navigating an uncertain job market.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Instead of allowing this experience to define the end of my career, I have decided to turn it into a new beginning.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>One important step is completing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Earning this credential will allow me to continue serving organizations with the independence and professional authority that strong financial oversight requires.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>To prepare for the CPA exam, I need access to the Becker CPA Review course, which is widely considered the most comprehensive preparation program available.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Unfortunately, the course costs several thousand dollars — something that has become difficult to afford after my unexpected job loss.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>That is why I am asking for help.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This fundraiser will go directly toward:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>• The Becker CPA Review program
</div>
<div>• CPA exam preparation materials
</div>
<div>• CPA exam registration fees
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My goal is simple:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Turn a moment of adversity into an opportunity to come back stronger.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I have spent my career advocating for accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership in public finance. With your help, I can continue that mission — this time with the CPA credential that will allow me to do even more.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you believe that integrity in public service matters, and that people who stand up for ethical principles deserve the chance to rebuild, I would deeply appreciate your support.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Even small contributions can make a real difference.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for helping me turn a difficult chapter into a new beginning.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>— Alicia Myers
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>One small addition that increases donations a lot:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>“If 200 people donate $12.50, the entire CPA course will be funded.”
</div>

Anonymous

Michael Moore

Anna Klima

Trina DeMoss

Evie Abercrombie

Stacey Crawshaw

Tsz Yan Brady

Fletcher Aukerman

Diana Mitchell

Debra Joslyn

Shawn Martinez

Stand with Alicia for Integrity in Public Service

Stand with Alicia for Integrity in Public Service

Still $1,080 to go. Help us build momentum.