Public Service Award Recipients

For Jessica Sales, giving back isn’t something she finds time for—it’s what gives her purpose. As Northern Nevada Managing Principal and co-owner of Houldsworth, Russo & Co., Jessica has built her career on integrity, leadership, and compassion for others.

Her passion for service began early. “In sixth grade, I invited a new student to sit with me at lunch,” she remembers. “He later thanked me for making a difficult day easier. I knew then I wanted to keep doing small acts that could create big changes.” That simple act of kindness grew into a lifelong commitment to helping others and strengthening her community.

Today, Jessica’s volunteer work touches lives across Nevada. She is Founder and President of the Sayles Advancement in Education Foundation, which has awarded more than $350,000 in scholarships to accounting students at UNR and UNLV and contributed over $50,000 to Nevada nonprofits. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Douglas County Audit Committee, Member of the AICPA Not-for-Profit and Governmental Conference Steering Committee, Board Member for UNR’s Accounting Advisory Board, and Advisory Board Member for AHA Projects.

And when she’s not leading or mentoring, she’s nurturing—fostering more than 20 kittens each year through the SPCA of Northern Nevada, ensuring each finds a loving home.

Jessica credits her clients and colleagues in the nonprofit world for deepening her understanding of how vital time, money, and advocacy are to Nevada’s community fabric. “It’s a privilege to give back,” she says. “If there’s ever an opportunity—no matter how small—to lend a hand up to another person or animal, take it.”

Her story reminds us that leadership isn’t just about achievement—it’s about the difference we make in the lives of others.