Chris Russo, CPA, MBA, JD, CTRS
Deciding to start his own practice in 2008, Chris began preparing tax returns, bookkeeping services, financial statement audits and financial consulting for various clients.
Chris started his accounting career as an auditor for a local CPA firm in Denver, Colorado where he audited governmental entities, non-profit organizations and a variety of for-profit entities. Chris moved on to work as the Assistant Controller for Wembley, USA, owner and operator of dog tracks and off-track betting facilities. Chris then went on to become CFO of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.
Chris has his bachelor’s degree in Professional Accounting along with his MBA in Finance and Accounting, both from Regis University. Chris also received his law degree from St. Francis School of Law, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.
Chris earned his Certified Tax Resolution Specialist (CTRS) designation in 2025. This achievement is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence in the field of tax resolution. He now joins an elite group of professionals who have proven their ability to navigate complex IRS issues and provide outstanding service to their clients.
Chris has extensive experience in government, non-profit, entertainment and a variety of small businesses in all types of industries.
Chris has a passion for helping small business owners and individuals to manage and grow their financial well-being. With a strong accounting and legal background, Chris provides his clients with expert advice, professionalism, responsiveness and peace of mind.
If you are looking for somebody to fight for your money like it’s his own, Chris is your guy. He thrives on taking the Internal Revenue Service and other State Tax agencies on head-to-head.
Vanessa Salazar, Accounting Specialist & Business Consultant
Vanessa has an extensive background managing financial records, budgets, and reconciliations. Vanessa maintains both the accounting and administrative expertise to properly complete full-cycle bookkeeping for small business, overseeing accounts payable/receivable, payroll, and monthly financial reporting. Vanessa recently migrated QuickBooks Desktop to QuickBooks Online to provide improved financial clarity for leadership.
Vanessa is an integral part of the accounting team at Russo & Co
Casey Van Houdt, Executive Assistant
Meet Casey. She has a background in project management in the construction industry along with accounting and office administration. She excels at anticipating potential issues and finding solutions before they impact executive productivity. Casey is known for her exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment. Casey is a resourceful, reliable, and highly adaptable individual who is dedicated to providing exceptional support.