Three Distinguished Leaders Honored for Service and Contributions to the Accounting Profession

NASHVILLE, TENN. (Nov. 3, 2026) — The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) recognized three outstanding leaders —Laurie J. Tish, CPA, Sharon A. Jensen, CPA, and David (Dave) Sanford, CPA— on October 27 during its 119th Annual Meeting in Litchfield Park, AZ. Presented annually, the awards honor individuals whose leadership, dedication and professional contributions have strengthened accounting regulation, advanced the profession and supported NASBA’s mission.

The William H. Van Rensselaer Public Service Award was presented to Laurie J. Tish, CPA, of Vashon Island, WA. The award recognizes individuals whose contributions have advanced the accounting profession, strengthened state board programs or improved accountancy regulation through legislative and regulatory initiatives. Tish is a recently retired partner with Moss Adams LLP, and a past chair of NASBA. Among her many accomplishments, she played an instrumental role in advancing CPA Evolution, spearheaded NASBA’s Accountancy Licensee Database and CPAverify initiatives, strengthening state board regulation and public protection, as well as led NASBA during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. A nationally recognized instructor and speaker on topics such as government accounting and auditing standards, she is a former member of the Washington State Board of Accountancy and a past chair of the Washington Society of CPAs Government Accounting and Auditing Committee. She also served for 25 years as a technical reviewer for the Government Finance Officers Association, and for a term on the AICPA Professional Ethics Executive Committee. Recently, she completed a term on the AICPA Auditing Standards Board (ASB) and continues to serve on the ASB’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Task Force.

The NASBA Distinguished Service Award was presented to Sharon A. Jensen, CPA, of Billings, MT. Established in 1999, the award recognizes individuals whose dedication and leadership have strengthened NASBA’s mission and the accounting profession. Jensen is a finance and accounting consultant specializing in strategic initiatives, U.S. and international regulatory accounting. She is a former director-at-large and Central regional director of NASBA, and a past chair of the Minnesota Board of Accountancy. She was also a NASBA representative on the AICPA’s Professional Ethics Executive Committee. From 2016-2024, Jensen served as chair of the NASBA/AICPA International Qualifications Appraisal Board (IQAB) where she was instrumental in facilitating Mutual Recognition Agreements with professional accounting organizations in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and South Africa, creating pathways for qualified accounting professionals to have their credentials recognized internationally.

The Lorraine P. Sachs Standard of Excellence Award was presented to David (Dave) Sanford, CPA, of Tamuning, GU. Named in honor of NASBA Executive Vice President Emerita Lorraine P. Sachs, the award recognizes state board executives and administrators committed to improving accountancy regulation. Sanford has served as executive director of the Guam Board of Accountancy since 2004. Under his leadership, Guam has strengthened its regulatory operations and expanded its role as a major international CPA Examination testing location, serving candidates throughout Asia and the Pacific. He has also championed the Guam Accountancy Endowment Fund, helping direct hundreds of thousands of dollars in board contributions to support the University of Guam’s accounting program and develop future CPAs. Sanford’s professional service includes membership on NASBA’s Examination Administration, Executive Directors and Communications committees, involvement in the administration of the Guam Society of CPAs since 1980 and service on the AICPA Governing Council from 2003–2012 and 2024–2026.

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NASBA Honors Three Distinguished Leaders for Service and Contributions to the Accounting Profession