40 Under 40: Tess Howell
Tess Howell is the director of finance and development for the Festival at Sandpoint.
Howell graduated from the University of Idaho (go Vandals!) with a double major — a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering. After a few years of studying materials, she realized she preferred working with people rather than sitting in a windowless lab, staring at data that never seemed to go anywhere.
"No offense to my fellow engineers — someone has to keep our astronauts safe," she said, "but I quickly learned I needed more direct feedback and human connection in my work."
Since then, Howell's career has zigzagged from outdoor retail to professional whitewater guiding, accounting and now to finance and development.
"Nonprofits have always been a big part of my life, whether through work or volunteering, so it feels natural that I’ve landed in a role where I get to support a community I love," she said.
Math and science will always be her first loves, "maybe third and fourth, because my parents definitely take the top two spots," she said.
"I often think about how different my career is from my degrees, but the problem-solving skills and discipline I developed in college continue to serve me well," she said. "Those degrees weren’t for nothing. I’m also a proud product of Idaho public schools and will always stand by their success. Without them, I wouldn’t be filling out this survey today."
She said her grandparents' dedication to human rights is what shaped her into the person she is today.
"Even as devout Catholics, they fought for gay rights in the early '90s and co-founded the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force —where I now serve as treasurer," Howell said. "Their unwavering belief in equality and kindness shaped the way I view the world, and I’ll always be grateful for the open-minded, welcoming family they created. I wish more people led with acceptance the way they did. It should be the norm, not the exception."
In five to 10 years, Howell sees herself in Sandpoint.
"I moved around in my 20s but something pulled me back," she said. "I was born and raised here, and my partner is currently building our forever dream home, so I have no plans to leave! Hopefully, you’ll find me out in the wild — fishing, hiking, boating, enjoying everything this place has to offer."
Professionally, she said she hopes to still be finding value and purpose in her work and staying engaged with her community.
Advise for her younger self: "I’d tell myself to forget about what’s 'cool' and focus on what’s real. Invest in friendships that matter. Spend time with people who value you for who you are. Go outside more. Try hard things. And most importantly, have deep, meaningful conversations with your parents — you’ll be glad you did."
