Port of Benton Investigation Raises Financial Concerns Amid Leadership Crisis
The ongoing governance issues at the Port of Benton have significant financial implications for the regional economic development agency. In January 2026, the Port approved a contract with Human Resource Support Services for up to $50,000 over 60 days, according to NBC Right Now. This substantial expenditure comes at a time when Executive Director Diahann Howard, who earns approximately $212,000 annually, has been placed on paid administrative leave since January 7, 2026, following a special commission meeting regarding an internal review (Apple Valley News Now). The combination of investigation costs and continued payment of the executive director's salary represents a considerable financial burden for the publicly funded organization.
The Port of Benton, which operates the Richland Airport and manages various economic development projects in the region (Apple Valley News Now), now faces questions about fiscal responsibility amid its leadership turmoil. The investigation into Commissioner Scott Keller found that he violated state law prohibiting the gift of public funds and resources, violated port policies, and breached the Washington Constitution through his actions regarding his hangar at the Richland Airport (Apple Valley News Now). These findings raise concerns about the proper stewardship of public resources and the potential financial impact of such violations.
Howard's administrative leave began after she revealed that Keller's hangar had an unpermitted, unmetered water connection at the airport (Apple Valley News Now). The Port commissioners held their first meeting of 2026 on January 14, with Ron Branine, the Port's Director of Facilities, named acting executive director until further notice (NBC Right Now). This leadership transition occurs while the organization continues to pay Howard's substantial salary during the investigation period, creating a situation where taxpayers are effectively funding both positions simultaneously.
The financial context of this governance crisis is particularly relevant given the Port's role in economic development. As a public entity, the Port of Benton's ability to effectively manage its resources directly impacts its capacity to fulfill its economic development mission. The commissioners' meeting on January 14 drew a dozen attendees, both in-person and via Zoom (Tri-Cities/Yakima News), demonstrating community interest in the organization's governance and financial management.
Former Port of Benton Commissioner Roy Keck has stated that the complaints against Keller go back years (NBC Right Now). Keck submitted 10 complaints against Keller, while Howard submitted 14 (NBC Right Now). The board's investigation found only four of these complaints had sufficient evidence, focusing on issues related to leasing and water and sewage hookups at Keller's hangar at the Richland Airport (NBC Right Now). The extended timeline of these complaints suggests a pattern of governance issues that may have had cumulative financial implications for the Port.
Community members have expressed concern about the situation, demanding that the state auditor investigate and citing concerns about public accountability beyond individual cases (Apple Valley News Now). This call for external oversight reflects public interest in ensuring that the Port's financial resources are being properly managed. The next Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at 8:30 AM (Tri-Cities/Yakima News), where these financial concerns may be further addressed.
The Port's governance issues have parallels to other regional public accountability matters. Former Superior Court Judge Sam Swanberg, who served nearly seven years in Benton and Franklin counties (The Olympian), faced his own controversy when the state commission found he violated three rules guiding judicial behavior by "engaging in physically violent and emotionally abusive behavior over the decades of his marriage" and "that he harassed and stalked" his ex-girlfriend after their relationship ended (The Olympian). While Swanberg was acquitted in 2022 of domestic violence charges involving his former wife (The Olympian), the commission's decision regarding his judicial conduct went to the Washington State Supreme Court for final determination (The Olympian).
The Port of Benton's financial management deserves particular scrutiny given the organization's economic development mandate. With Howard's annual salary of approximately $212,000 representing a significant portion of the Port's personnel budget, the decision to place her on paid administrative leave while also funding an external investigation has budgetary implications. The Port held another Commissioners meeting on January 28, 2026 (Tri-Cities/Yakima News), providing another opportunity for public oversight of these financial decisions.
Economic development agencies like the Port of Benton operate with the mandate to foster regional growth and prosperity. When governance issues arise, they can potentially divert resources from this core mission. The investigation into Commissioner Keller found specific violations related to public funds and resources (Apple Valley News Now), highlighting how governance failures can directly impact an organization's financial integrity. The resolution of these issues will be crucial for restoring public trust in the Port's ability to manage its economic development responsibilities effectively.
The financial dimensions of this situation extend beyond the immediate costs of the investigation and administrative leave. Long-term economic development projects managed by the Port require stable leadership and sound financial management. With Howard having served as executive director since 2019 (Apple Valley News Now), her placement on administrative leave represents a disruption to established leadership during a critical period for regional economic development initiatives.
As the Port of Benton navigates these governance challenges, the financial implications will continue to unfold. The board's decision to approve a contract with Human Resource Support Services, though the specifics were not disclosed (Tri-Cities/Yakima News), represents an investment in resolving these issues. However, the combination of investigation costs and continued payment of the executive director's salary while on leave raises important questions about the efficient use of public resources during this period of organizational uncertainty.
The Port of Benton's situation illustrates how governance issues in public entities can have tangible financial consequences. As the investigation continues and the organization works to address these challenges, maintaining fiscal responsibility while ensuring proper oversight will be essential to preserving public trust and the Port's ability to fulfill its economic development mission for the region.