When a US Senator accuses you of lying, what do you do? Stand your ground or back down?
In my recent conversation with Christina Ho on the Earmark podcast, she shared her experience as the first PCAOB Board Member to publicly dissent on a proposal and the surprising backlash.
Christina explained how Senator Warren accused her of "downplaying and misdirecting attention from these atrocious findings" in the latest deficiency report. This wasn't just a policy disagreement but a direct attack on her integrity.
"I was very upset about being accused of lying," Christina told me. She's been called "the dissenting member" and "contrarian" before—labels she embraces—but this crossed into new territory.
Christina acknowledges the senator’s oversight role and would have welcomed direct communication about her remarks. Instead, Senator Warren sent a letter to the PCAOB chair, giving Christina no proper avenue to respond.
Christina said that PCAOB board members have limited power compared to the chair—they really only have "their voice and their vote." If her voice was being undermined through attacks on her credibility, she couldn't effectively serve.
"If my voice is being taken away, then I should not be in my job anymore," she told me. So, she chose to speak up and defend herself.
Hear the entire conversation in Episode 88, "Behind the Numbers: The Truth About PCAOB Deficiency Rates."
