Tessa has a diverse background in accounting with experience in the petroleum, banking, and the maritime industry. She works as a Project Accountant in LACO’s Eureka Office.
Tessa previously held the role of Accounts Receivable Lead for Andretti Group, owned by the Andretti (racing) family, which encompasses their many gas stations in California and Oregon, bulk fuel, and card lock ventures. She oversaw a small team responsible for managing the A/R process such as creating invoices, processing payments, reconciliations, real estate contract management, and collections.
In banking she worked in various roles including a Bank Secrecy Act Specialist, responsible for reporting suspicious financial activity, elder abuse, money laundering, and conducted risk management during the onset of commercial cannabis legalization in the State of California. She processed legal research requests such as subpoenas, search warrants, and levies. She worked as an internal auditor to ensure compliance, back-office efficiency, and overall smooth banking operations.
Tessa has deep roots in the maritime industry. You may recognize her from being a long time deckhand/bartender aboard the Motor Vessel Madaket, a Humboldt Bay icon. She held the role of Full Charge Bookkeeper for her family’s shipyard as well. Their business incorporates many other aspects of the industry such as tug and barge services, maritime insurance reporting, and acting as the only shipping agency in Humboldt Bay. She also worked alongside Marine Spill Response Corporation, scheduling all oil spill sub-contractors to be on call for ship and fuel barge entries and departures. She has been hazwoper certified and holds a TWIC card to gain entry to secure maritime ports and facilities.
On top of being well rounded in her professional career, Tessa has many hobbies including hiking, fishing, gardening, and saltwater aquarium reef-keeping. She is excited to bring her expertise in accounting and contract management to LACO Associates.