Tacoma Urban League CEO Fired Following Whistleblower Allegations

The Tacoma Urban League has confirmed the termination of CEO Desiree Wilkins Finch after nearly a year on paid administrative leave, following months of scrutiny and whistleblower allegations involving taxpayer-funded grants. The Center Square independently confirmed the termination with the Tacoma Urban League. The organization has not disclosed the reasons for Wilkins Finch's departure. Whistleblower Cory Orvold, a former Tacoma Urban League volunteer, previously raised allegations of potential self-dealing involving Washington's Community Reinvestment Program and the Tacoma Black Fund, which she says received $1.6 million in taxpayer funding. Orvold has questioned how grant money was distributed, including alleged membership fees, administrative costs and funding provided to individuals connected to the organization. In an interview with The Center Square, Orvold responds to the CEO's termination and discusses her continuing push for stronger oversight, whistleblower protections and accountability for Washington taxpayer dollars. The Tacoma Urban League previously stated that Wilkins Finch's administrative leave was unrelated to the Community Reinvestment Program. The organization has not publicly established a connection between the allegations and her termination. Follow The Center Square for Washington state investigations, government transparency, taxpayer accountability and breaking news. Want the next important update by text? Get the Washington state government and policy developments worth your attention sent straight to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: https://joinsubtext.com/c/thecentersquarewa Msg & data rates may apply. #TacomaUrbanLeague #DesireeWilkinsFinch #Tacoma #Whistleblower #TaxpayerFunds #GovernmentAccountability #WashingtonState #CommunityReinvestmentProgram #WashingtonNews #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Copy hashtags