Texas Payroll Conference, Inc.

Speaker Biographies 

Abril, Shelly

Shelly Abril is a Senior Manager for ADP in the Agency Relations Department, and she has over 15 years of industry experience. She has partnered with federal, state and local agencies for the past 11 years in multiple capacities, including the handling of complex legislative and compliance issues, and has years of experience with electronic filing.

Bankert, Scott

In his current capacity as Sr. Regional Tax Manager for TALX, Scott assists companies in analyzing tax consequences and proper reporting requirements associated with mergers, acquisitions, reorganizations, and similar business transactions.

TALX is the market leader in two of its chosen fields: outsourced employment and income verifications and unemployment cost control. 

Scott started his career in 1980 with R. E. Harrington (subsequently acquired by TALX).  During this tenure, he has had responsibilities for both operations and customer account management in all aspects of payroll tax and claim consulting.

Scott graduated in 1980 with a BS-Finance from The Ohio State University and resides in Savannah, Georgia.

Bedford, Cindy

Cindy is the Global Engagement Tax Manager at Deloitte Tax LLP, and she has more than 10 years of experience. Cindy focuses on international tax compliance and consulting, including structuring tax-efficient remuneration packages, assisting with international payroll setup and administration, development of international assignment policies, and social tax planning.

Bohnert, Jon

Jon Bohnert is Executive Vice President of Symmetry Software, the company behind the popular website, PaycheckCity.com. With its free payroll calculators and tools, PaycheckCity.com is the most visited website in the payroll industry. PaycheckCity calculations are powered by the Symmetry Tax Engine which is ideal for companies building payroll applications from scratch.

Jon has spoken at dozens of industry conferences over the years and has authored a number of nationally published payroll and HR-oriented articles. He is a former member of the American Payroll Association’s Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force as well as an active member of the Independent Payroll Providers Association.

Broomhead,CPP   Nick

Nick Broomhead is a Senior Manager with Deloitte Tax LLP, and serves as the Mid-America and Southeast Employment Tax Leader within the Global Employer Services Tax practice. Nick has spent the past 12 years in Big Four accounting firms in Chicago and Atlanta specializing in payroll and employment tax matters, serving a client base that encompasses all industries. Nick also spent 10 years with a boutique consulting firm in Chicago working with large employers to control unemployment tax costs and was responsible for teaching Employment Tax Management Seminars for the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce. Nick is a CPP and specializes in:

• Taxation of fringe benefits and non-cash compensation
• Federal and state payroll withholding, depositing, and reporting protocols
• The employment tax implications of mergers and acquisitions
• State unemployment tax audit defense

Nick is fully dedicated to payroll and employment tax 100 percent of the time.

Champion,CAPP   Sandy

Sandy Champion has over 30 years in the Accounts Payable field and is currently the Accounts Payable Manager for Transit Mix Concrete & Materials Company. She currently works for a subsidiary of one of the world’s largest diversified industrial companies with market-leading positions that provide products and services to the industrial, energy, transportation, and construction sectors of the marketplace. Her previous experience includes working for Fortune 100 companies in the food and beverage and high-tech semiconductor industries. She has a diverse management background in Accounts Payable Administration, Supplier Database Administration, Financial Administration and Purchasing Administration.

She has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Texas at Dallas and is a Certified Accounts Payable Professional. Sandy was also featured in The Richardson Newspaper as an up-and-coming woman in business. Sandy received the Person of the Year Award from the International Accounts Payable Professionals (IAPP) Association and is the current President of the North Texas IAPP Chapter.

Chambers, Carrie

Carrie Chambers has been with Sabre Holdings her entire career, recently celebrating 31 years with the company.   She is responsible for Global Accounts Payable and Cash Applications. Her organization processes over 750,000 invoices per year, 88% of which are electronic.  Carrie has led her team through many automation and process improvement initiatives, emerging as a best practice AP shop.  In 2003, Sabre was awarded an AP Enhancement Award by the International Accounts Payable Professionals organization.

Charles,CPP   Susan

Susan is a Sr. Payroll Analyst with Sabre-Holdings in Southlake, a world leader in the travel marketplace.  She had previously been the Payroll Supervisor for GameStop. Susan obtained her CPP in 1996 while employed with the City of Arlington and has recertified every 5 years since then.

Susan has been an active member in the Dallas Chapter of the APA since 1995 and has taught several Payroll classes for the Chapter at North Lake College.  In 2002, she was recognized with the Chapter’s Meritorious Service award.

Susan was appointed as a non-voting member with the Dallas Chapter as Education Director in 2008.  She was elected as Education Director in 2009 and has served in that position for the past the past two years.  In this position, Susan was responsible for the Chapter’s Education program and interfaced with North Lake College and our fabulous volunteers to ensure our education opportunities were of the highest caliber and continually offered the most return on the dollars invested!

In 2008 and 2010 Susan was nominated for the Texas Payroll Professional of the Year and was a speaker for the Texas Payroll Conference 2006 - 2009.  She is extremely proud to be a speaker at the 2011 TPC!

Cummings, Brett

Brett Cummings is a senior manager at Deloitte Tax LLP with more than 10 years of experience in the expatriate tax arena. Brett has an extensive background in international tax compliance and consulting issues, including structuring tax efficient remuneration packages, assisting with international payroll setup and administration, development of international assignment policies, and social tax planning. Brett is an enrolled agent and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Accounting) from Baylor University.

Curran, Heather

Heather Curran joined Hines in 1998 and, as the Corporate Director of Training & Development, she has overall responsibility of training for the firm.  Hines is one of the largest global real estate firms involved in developing, acquiring, leasing and managing real estate as well as investment and advisory services. 

Prior to joining Hines, Heather worked for Exxon for 11 years where she was part of the company’s management development program and held a number of positions within several divisions.  She holds Bachelor of Business Administration degrees from the University of Texas at Austin. 

Heather has served on the United Way Young Leader’s Council, as well as was the Chair for five years; she is now on the United Way Women’s Initiative Steering Committee.  She has also served on the Board of American Society of Training and Development Houston Chapter as Vice President of Programs, as well as led various committees.  Heather has had various speaking engagements, including at both the Houston and Galveston APA’s Chapter meetings. 

Dana, Michael - Detective 

Detective Michael Dana has been with the Dallas Police Department for 20 years and currently serves in the Swindle Unit of the Financial Investigations Division.  His experience with DPD includes:

• 9 years at Northeast Patrol Division as a patrol officer
• 2 years as a Field Training Officer
• Covert training and operations with Northeast Deployment Unit
• 2 years in the Interactive Community Policing Unit as the Law Enforcement and Private Security Coordinator
• 1 year at Central Business District and Central Patrol ICP
• Since 2004 assigned to Financial Crimes. Previous investigations include Identity Theft, Credit Card Fraud, and Check Forgery.  Current investigations involve various swindles such as home repair scams, gypsy scams, lotto scams, and impersonating police officer offenses.

Certifications and Training:

• Texas Commission of Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) Master Peace Officer Certification
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE) Instructor
• Field Training Officer
• Crime Prevention Level I and II
• 80hour Dignitary Protection Course through the Criminal Intelligence Unit

Teaching Experience:

• Instructor at the Dallas Police Academy for Recruits, Civilian Employees, and In-Service Police Officers on various topics
• Violence in the Workplace Seminars for Police and Private Sector
• Personal Safety Seminars for Private Sector and Civilian Police Employees
• Workshops for the Private Security Industry personnel involved in the Law Enforcement and Private Security Program (LEAPS) in areas of Laws of Arrest, Thefts and Burglaries, Criminal Trespass, White Collar Crime, and Family Violence.

Detective Dana is a member of the Consumers' Union, and through their support and with the backing of the Dallas Police Department, he testified in a Texas legislative committee on a bill (SB222) involving security freeze and Identity Theft which became a state law in Texas.

His awards include:

• 2 Certificates of Merit Award
• 1 Certificate of Civic Achievement Award
• 2 Dallas Police Department Life Saving Awards
• 5 Dallas Police Department Marksmanship Awards
• Dallas Police Department 10 Year Safe Driving Award
• Officer of the Year (Nomination)

Davis, Laura

Laura Davis is the Manager of Global Mobility and US Payroll for Texas Instruments. Texas Instruments is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. TI is a global semiconductor company with a focus on analog and imbedded processing. TI has more than 34,000 employees worldwide in approximately 25 countries. She has more than 17 years experience in human resources, with a focus on communications and payroll. Most recently Laura has taken on TI’s Global Mobility program.

Laura is a member of the Employee Relocation Council and the American Payroll Association. She has been a speaker at a various conferences and roundtables including HR Southwest, American Payroll Association’s Best Practice forum and the Dallas chapter of the Forum for Expatriate Management.

Laura holds a bachelor degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of North Texas.

Dobesh,AAP    Beverly

Beverly joined SWACHA in 1998 and has held every training position in the Education Services Department.  Prior to her promotion in 2005 to Senior Vice President, Education Services, she was responsible for developing and presenting educational seminars to SWACHA’s members via face-to-face seminars as well as via telephone seminars.  In her current position, she is responsible for overseeing all of SWACHA’s educational efforts.

Beverly has presented at several national industry conferences as well as numerous regional conferences and she takes an active role in helping members on SWACHA’s Payments Answerline™.  Beverly has over 20 years of ACH experience which includes over 13 years “hands on” ACH experience in the Credit Union community.  She is currently on several of NACHA’s Rules Workgroups and is a past member of NACHA’s AAP Blue Ribbon Panel. 

She received her AAP (Accredited ACH Professional) designation in 1995 and became re-accredited in 1999 by successfully re-passing the exam.  Beverly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administrative Management from Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas.

Doonan,CPP    De Ann

As Director of Global Payroll, De Ann Doonan, CPP leads a multi-national team responsible for 98,000 employees in 63 countries.  Prior to coming to Dell in 2005, she was the Director of Payroll for Wyndham International.

 Throughout her career, De Ann has specialized in the management of large teams, people development and acquisition integration.   A proponent of education, De Ann has volunteered countless hours in the Education Program of the Dallas Chapter APA, teaching on behalf of the Chapter segments of the Basic, Intermediate and Advanced Payroll courses at Northlake College and as part of a local payroll education outreach at one of Dallas’ magnet high schools.    She also teaches at the State-wide level on behalf of the Texas Payroll Conference, where she has been a returning speaker for the last 5 years (2005 – 2010).  She also has spoken at several multi-national conferences for Webster Buchanan and ADP. 

De Ann was voted Dallas Chapter Payroll Professional of the Year in 2005.   She was voted Texas Payroll Professional of the Year in 2008 by the Texas Payroll Conference Board.

De Ann earned her Management degree from Texas Wesleyan College in 1983 and her CPP in 2000 (recertified in 2005, 2010).  She is a member of the American Payroll Association (APA), the Dallas Chapter APA and the Centex Chapter APA. 

Farrington, Brian

Brian T. Farrington is a native of the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  He received his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Dallas, and an M.A. with honors from the University of Chicago.  Brian spent twelve years with the United States Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, working in Chicago, Fort Worth and Dallas.  For five years, he was the Assistant District Director in the Dallas District Office. He was directly in charge of Wage-Hour enforcement in the Dallas area, and he supervised some 5,000 investigations.  Brian joined the well-known Wage-Hour consulting firm of Harry Weisbrod Associates, Inc. in 1989 and began to devote his skills and experience to assisting employers.  In 1993, Brian became President of Harry Weisbrod Associates.  In 1994, he received his JD from Texas Wesleyan University and was licensed to practice law.  He continues to devote his efforts to Wage-Hour, EEO and other employment issues.  Mr. Farrington is noted for his outstanding skills as a writer, trainer and speaker.  In addition to numerous articles on FLSA and related topics, as well as course manuals for two 8-hour courses on labor and employment issues, he is the author of Wage-Hour Compliance, published in 1995 by Warren, Gorham and Lamont.  His new book, A Wage-Hour Guide for the Self Storage Industry, was published in 2006.  In addition to representing employers to the government in Wage-Hour and EEO cases, Mr. Farrington often appears as a consulting or testifying expert witness on Fair Labor Standards Act issues in federal and state courts throughout the country. He is the owner of the Law Offices of Brian T. Farrington.

Freeman, Yvonne

Yvonne Freeman is the Vice President – Total Rewards for Michaels Stores, Inc, the nation's #1 arts and crafts retailer.  In her role, reporting directly to the SVP - HR, she has responsibility for the design, development and administration of the company’s compensation and benefits programs, relocation program, HR Systems and newly created Associates Services function. 

Throughout her tenure at Michaels, she has used her systems and database knowledge to support companywide HR processes related to compensation and benefits, such as total rewards planning, pay rate growth, succession planning, and reporting.  Consistently creating efficiencies, she has refined processes and has managed a staff of HR professionals who design, develop and support corporate and field compensation.

Prior to joining Michaels, Yvonne held various roles in human resources at Mattel, Criterion, Texas Instruments, and Raytheon.
Yvonne has a B.A. in Mathematics from University of Dallas.  She is married and has three children.  Yvonne and her family reside in Lewisville, Texas.

George,CPP    Susan

 Susan George is a Senior Client Support Manager at Automatic Data Processing (ADP). She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and has worked for ADP for 30 years. She has held several positions in various departments including Operations, Technical and Client Support. Susan is also an active participant in both the Fort Worth and Dallas APA chapters and earned her CPP certification in 2006. Susan was also named as the 2010 Payroll Professional of the Year by the Dallas APA chapter. Susan is very enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and has created and facilitated several workshops especially related to personal development.

Gomaa, Wally

Wally Gomaa is responsible for the healthcare management advisory activities for Holmes Murphy, with a specialization in the areas of disease management and prevention.  Gomaa also serves as President of Trajectory Health, LLC, a research and consulting firm providing advanced clinical strategies to insurance companies and hospital systems interested in developing programs that measurably slow the production of disease.

Gomaa, a noted speaker on healthcare and clinical issues impacting employers, developed and implemented the nation’s largest chronic disease management program for individuals with diabetes and heart disease. He has been a featured speaker with the Disease Management Association of America and has been quoted on NPR and in various healthcare magazines.

Prior to joining Holmes Murphy and Trajectory Health, Mr. Gomaa served as President of Great-West Life and Annuity.  He was responsible for overseeing the operations of the health plan including the medical management, network development and claims and call center operations.

He has also served in a variety of capacities within the health care industry including senior financial officer positions for both health plans and provider organizations, network contracting leadership roles, as well as responsibility for managing the national quality management program for a Great-West. Finally, he has also been active in the implementation of several innovative information system initiatives within the industry.

Education:     Bachelor of Business Administration, Accounting

                    Stephen F. Austin State University, East Texas

                    Master of Business Administration /Master of Healthcare Administration

                    University of Houston, Clear Lake, Texas

                    Certified in the American College of Practice Executives

GoNzaleS,CPP    mike

Mike Gonzales is the President of Armstrong Relocation-Dallas. With over 30 years of relocation experience with Armstrong, Mike started as an accountant and worked his way up to the top leadership position with one of the most recognized relocation companies in Dallas.

Mike received his certification in domestic and international relocation as recognized by the Employee Relocation Council and Registered International Mover.  He has worked closely with development of other Armstrong companies and has assisted with partnership programs with other Third Party Relocation companies. Mike has been married to his wife, Nancy for the past 30 years. As a Dallas native he enjoys travel, skiing and running.

GRACE, SHANE 

Shane is a Senior Manager at Deloitte Tax LLP, and has more than 13 years of experience in the area of international assignment services. He regularly works with multinational companies on the development of international assignment and tax equalization policies. Shane has worked extensively with both foreign nationals and U.S. expatriates and has traveled to domestic and international client locations for purposes of individual tax preparation assistance and tax counseling. He also works with a broad range of clients to minimize international assignment costs through effective and timely tax planning.

Certifications and other qualifications:

•    BS, Accounting, University of North Texas

•    MS, Taxation, University of North Texas

GRAHAM,CPP    HOLLY

Holly Graham, CPP is the Payroll Administrator for the University of St. Thomas.  She is responsible for all aspects of payroll. 

Holly earned her CPP in 1996 after being in payroll for six years. 

Holly is a member of the American Payroll Association and Houston Chapter APA.  She has been a board member of the Texas Payroll Conference since October, 2006, and has served as Secretary on the Board since October, 2007.

HAGAN, JOHN P. 

Mr. Hagan is peer-rated as being in the top 5% of all Texas Lawyers for 2010.  Mr. Hagan is Board Certified in Labor and Employment Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.                                                              

Mr. Hagan received a BBA from the University of Texas at Austin and his law degree from Southern Methodist School of Law.  While at the Southern Methodist Dedman School of Law, Mr. Hagan was Editor-in-Chief of the Computer Law Review and Technology Journal. 

Mr. Hagan focuses on employment, labor, ERISA and commercial litigation.  He also regularly counsels company owners, boards, CEO’s, CFOs and HR professionals on how to stay out of litigation.  

Mr. Hagan is an award-winning author on employment law and gives several speeches each year to human resource and other professionals.  Mr. Hagan has co-authored Texas Employment Law (James Publishing) and Employment Law Handbook - Texas (Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce). 

Mr. Hagan is a past president of the Collin County Young Lawyers Association and a former director of both the Texas Young Lawyers Association ("TYLA") and the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. In 2001, Mr. Hagan received the President's Award of Merit from the TYLA. In 2000, he was chosen outstanding TYLA Director of the Year. That same year, the Collin County Young Lawyers Association created an award in his honor, the John P. Hagan Founders’ Award, to recognize future young bar leaders for their commitment to public service. 

In 2004, Mr. Hagan was awarded a Presidential Citation by the State Bar of Texas and in 2008, he was recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the Dallas Human Resource Management Association. 

Mr. Hagan has been admitted to practice before the United States District Courts for the Northern, Eastern, Western and Southern Districts of Texas, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal and admitted to practice pro hac vice in the State of Oklahoma. He is a member of the labor and employment law sections of the Texas Bar Association and the Dallas Bar Association. 

HARRIS,CPP    ROBYN

Robyn Harris recently retired from her full-time position as Executive Director of Payroll & Stock for Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. who employees 9,000+ employees in 21 countries and in 30 states.  She has been at the company since 1990 and continues to work part-time to support the payroll and stock teams. Robyn has worked in a variety of companies such as high tech manufacturing, property management, building materials, and oil service. She has been in the payroll field for 30 years and obtained her CPP in 1990 and has recertified every 5 years.  

Robyn has been a member of both the national APA and the Dallas Chapter since 1990. Robyn has been a volunteer teacher, Education Director, 2007 Dallas Chapter Payroll Professional of the Year, Programs Director and has been responsible for the Certification Program since 2006 for the Dallas Chapter.  Robyn believes teaching and supporting the APA is an opportunity to give back for the many years of education support she has received from APA.

Robyn has 6 grandchildren that she enjoys spending time with ranging from 22 months to 12 years old.  Robyn enjoys traveling, biking, reading and shopping with husband Don. 

HOLLOWELL,CPP    CHERYL

Cheryl Hollowell, CPP, is the Payroll Manager for TDIndustries. She has over 20 years of experience in payroll.  Cheryl is responsible for all payroll preparation/processing, tax reporting, compliance for Davis Bacon Act and State/Local prevailing wage requirements.  She has served on AGC’s (Associated General Contractors of America) task force that developed a book entitled “An Industry Guide to Understanding Federal Prevailing Wage Law”.  She has conducted several seminars on Federal Prevailing wage requirements and is a member of the American Payroll Association and the Dallas Chapter of the American Payroll Association.

KING, BRIAN 

Brian King is the Director of Global Employer Services, Compensation and Benefits, for Deloitte Tax LLP in their Dallas office. Brian has more than 20 years of experience in employee benefits including 8 years as in-house counsel for two major airlines before joining Deloitte Tax.  Mr. King has significant experience in executive compensation, qualified plan, health & welfare arrangements, and fringe benefit issues with an emphasis on regulatory compliance, risk management, and document drafting.  While in-house counsel, Mr. King directed the day-to-day operation of the company’s corporate compliance program, advised and acted as Secretary of various benefits committees, assisted the human resources department in the operation of the benefit plans, assisted the corporate group in merger and divestitures, advised on employment law matters (including Title VII, ADEA, ADA, and FMLA compliance), drafted multiple plan documents and summary plan descriptions for the companies’ plans, and assisted employee relations in benefit-related union issues.  While at Deloitte, Mr. King has assisted clients in redesigning employer health and welfare arrangements (including elimination of VEBAs), performed risk management and compliance reviews of benefit plan and benefit committee operations, evaluated companies benefit plans for compliance with the requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley, assisted in the preparation of plan documents and summary plan descriptions, and advised clients with regard to executive compensation, plan compliance, and fringe benefit issues.

Areas of Specialization:

• Benefits Compliance
• Health & welfare plans
• Benefits Processes and Controls
• Benefit Privacy Issues
• Interaction between the National Labor Relations Act, the Railway Labor Act, the Code, and ERISA
• Qualified plans
• Benefits governance
• Bar Admissions:  Texas, Georgia, & Ohio

Education & Professional Admissions:

• Boston College, BA in History
• Cornell Law School, JD

LYMAN,TOM
Tom Lyman has been with Safety-Kleen for 5 years. He is Director of Accounts Payable, travel and purchasing card. Tom’s first task at Safety-Kleen was to bring AP in-house from a 3^rd party vendor. Tom has led his team in reducing cost through automation and process improvements. Tom has many years of AP experience with companies such as Michaels and Tuesday Morning. Tom is active in the International Accounts Payable Professional organization. He is on the “Ask the Experts” board which answers AP questions from International Accounts Payable members. He is also on the Concur travel and expense client advisory council.

MATHER, CPP     BECKY

With her degree in Accounting and a background in banking and finance, Becky Mather’s career turned toward payroll in the mid 80’s while working for Control Data Corp., Benefit Services, in Plano, Texas.  After moving to Indianapolis, Indiana in late 1992, Becky took a position processing in- house payroll.  The Human Resource Manager position was then offered to her along with Supervisor of Payroll in 1996.  She sat for and passed her CPP exam in September 1997.  This experience has brought her to her current position as Owner and Consultant for R. S. Mather H. R. and Payroll Consulting.  Becky is an active volunteer in both the Payroll and Human Resource fields and has served on the Dallas Chapter APA, Indianapolis Chapter APA and TPC Board of Directors.

MOSES,CPP     ROBIN

Robin D. Moses, CPP is Integrations Lead Project Manager, overseeing all functions relating to payroll, tax, accounting and AP disbursements.  Previous to that, she worked as the Manager, HR Services and Vendor Relations for the US and Canadian location for Cadbury.  She began her payroll career in 1990 then moved into management 15 years ago.  Through the years, she has led the implementation of 4 system conversions and assisted on 3 additional conversions for payroll/HR systems.  Robin has processed payroll or all 50 states and 11 of the 14 Canadian provinces.

Robin has been a member of the Dallas Chapter of the APA and National American Payroll Association since 1993, joining the Canadian Payroll Association in 2006.  She achieved her CPC in 2006 and recently received her CPP in the fall of 2010.  She has been serving as Table Host and is currently the Community Service Committee Chair and Public Relations Director on the APA - Dallas Chapter Board.

MULKEY,CPP     TERESA

Teresa is the Payroll Manager for Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group in Plano, Texas. Her department is responsible for paying 15,000 employees across all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada in two separate and distinct payroll systems. 

She has more than 25 years of experience ranging in payroll processing, multi-state tax filing, system implementation, accounting, human resources and management. 

Teresa received her Certified Payroll Professional designation in 1995 and has maintained her certification throughout her career. In her career as a payroll professional, she has served the Dallas Chapter in a variety of roles and board positions, including President. In 2001, the Dallas Chapter named her Payroll Professional of the Year. In addition to her service with the Dallas Chapter, she has also served as a presenter at APA’s Chapter Leadership Seminar and has been a contributing author to Paytech magazine.

NOAKES,CPP    VALERY

Valery Noakes, CPP is the Manager of Shared Services, Payroll for Tesoro Companies, Inc., an oil & gas marketing & refining company based in San Antonio.  Tesoro pays over 5,000 employees on a bi-weekly basis for 11 Federal EIN’s and 21 states in-house on SAP software. Valery joined Tesoro in September, 2001.  Prior to Tesoro, Valery worked for Dell, Inc., from June 1998 until September 2001 and was previously employed with H.E. Butt Grocery Company for 15 years.  She has a BBA in Accounting from UTSA and an MBA in e-Business with the University of Phoenix Online.  She originally obtained her CPP in April of 2001 and recertified in late 2006. 

Valery is currently an active member and Secretary of the Alamo Chapter APA for 2010-2011.  She has also served as Public Relations Officer for 2008-2009, President for 2006-2007, President-Elect for 2004-2005 and Government Liaison officer for 2002-2003. 

Valery has spoken at the Texas Payroll Conference several times since 1997 and has served twice on the Texas Payroll Conference Board of Directors.  In 2006, Valery received the Texas Payroll Professional of the Year award. 

Valery has been an active member of the American Payroll Association since 1993 and currently serves on the APA CPP Certification Board, CHAMPS, and the APA’s Paycard, Unemployment, Emerging Technologies, and Retail Best Practices Committees. In 2010, Valery was privileged to receive the APA’s Education Grant award.

OLEKSIAK,Esq.     EDWARD

Edward Oleksiak, Vice President at  Holmes Murphy & Associates, joined the company in 2002.  Ed is responsible for developing and managing client relationships in Corporate Benefits, as well as advising clients on regulatory and benefits compliance matters. Ed’s extensive experience in managing the administration, budgeting, and planning of welfare benefit plans along with his legal expertise enables him to offer a unique perspective on legislative and compliance issues affecting employers.  

Ed has over 20 years experience in Human Resources, and prior to joining Holmes Murphy, Ed was the Vice President of HR for a $400 million retail business with over 100 locations nationwide.  In that role, he was responsible for all aspects of HR and safety including employment, labor relations, salary and benefits administration, organizational development, and regulatory compliance. Earlier in his career, Ed managed benefit plans for an employer with more than 10,000 active employees and 7,000 retirees. 

Ed’s educational background includes: 

• University of Akron School of Law – J.D., Corporate Law
• University of Akron School of Business – M.B.A
• Walsh University – B.S. in Mathematics/Computer Science
• Cleveland State University – Engineering Program 

His professional certifications and board memberships include:  Active Member of Ohio Bar, Group I Insurance License, and Legislative Chair – Dallas Association of Health Underwriters.

POLLARD, MICHAEL

Michael Pollard is a Management & Program Analyst for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Verification Division, which is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). During Michael’s tenure with the agency since 2007, he has played an important role in developing relationships with key stakeholders, such as employer associations and the general public, to explain Verification Division programs (Form I-9 and E-Verify), policies and processes. Michael also travels across the country to give presentations and attend conferences on behalf of the agency to educate stakeholders on Form I-9 and E-Verify.

Michael has a B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing from Towson University located in Towson, MD.

PARSONS, JODI, CPP

Jodi L. Parsons, CPP  -Manager, Payroll and Accounts Payable IFMC

Jodi L. Parsons, CPP has 15 years of experience in the accounts payable field and 13 years of experience in the payroll field.  Her current responsibilities include overseeing the processing of a bi-monthly, multi-state payroll, all accounts payable transactions and travel reimbursement through a commercial credit card program. 

Ms. Parsons is involved with the American Accounts Payable Association on the national level as well as on the local, state and national levels of the American Payroll Association.  She is currently a member of the AP Answers Committee and AAPA’s Strategic Accounts Payable Leadership Task Force.  Ms. Parsons is also a member of APA’s Board of Advisors and will serve at the President-Elect of the National Iowa Varsity Club, the University of Iowa’s letterman’s club. 

Ms. Parsons holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Iowa where she was team captain and a 4 year letter winner while participating on the women’s track team.  She became a Certified Payroll Professional in 2002 and recertified in 2007.  Ms. Parsons was named the 2011 American Accounts Payable Woman of the year at the 29^th Annual Congress.  She was previously awarded the 2010 AAPA Education Grant recipient at the 28^th Annual Congress, a Meritorious Service Award from APA at the 27^th Annual Congress and the 2008 Kronos Education Grant recipient at the 26^th Annual Congress.

PARRENT,CBP, CPP, GMS        AMY

Amy is a Director and the regional practice leader for the International HR management group at Deloitte Tax LLP.  She is accountable for all IHR-related services provided to our clients.  With over fifteen years experience in international assignment management, she has also provided consulting services for a number of multinational companies to help them elevate the level of service excellence provided by Global Mobility programs.  She has been acknowledged by her clients for identifying creative, yet pragmatic solutions for process efficiency, internal controls, resource optimization and use of technology.  As an advocate of continuing education, she has led initiatives to develop and deliver IHR-related training both internally and externally. 

Amy has presented on a variety of IHR Management topics at various conferences, including the NFTC’s International HR Management Conference, and the ERC’s Global Workforce Symposium and Deloitte’s Client conference.  In addition, she has been a frequent guest speaker at local IHR roundtables throughout the country. 

Amy earned a Master of International Management (MIM) degree from the Thunderbird School of Global Management. She spent a year as an English and American Civilization Lecturer at L’Université de Nancy in France. She received a Bachelor degree from Ball State University, is fluent in French and proficient in Spanish. Amy is a current member of SHRM Global Forum and WorldatWork where she is a Certified Benefits Professional^® (CBP) and Certified Compensation Professional^® (CCP) with an emphasis on Global Remuneration.  She is also a certified Global Mobility Specialist (GMS) with ERC.

PHILLIPS,CPP    KATHY

Kathy Phillips, CPP is Payroll Manager, Northrop Grumman Corporation, a leading defense contractor in Irving, Texas.  She is dedicated to the advancement of the payroll profession and professionals through education and networking opportunities.   She strongly believes in giving back to the profession that has afforded her countless opportunities both professionally and personally.  

Kathy was honored with the Texas Payroll Professional of the Year in 2002 and the 2000 Dallas Payroll Professional of the Year. 

Kathy began her payroll career in 1985 and received her CPP in 1989.   She has had the opportunity to serve on numerous committees and held several offices on the local, state and national level, including serving as President of the Dallas Chapter (1999), President of the Texas Payroll Conference (1999) and serving as a member of the Board of Advisors, GATF on Tax Forms and Publications, Hotline Referral Committee, Chapter of the Year and the Nominations and Elections Committee for APA National.  

In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends.

PHIPPS,CPP   BRUCE

Bruce Phipps CPP is the Corporate Payroll Manager for Albert Einstein Healthcare Network. His responsibilities include all aspects of payroll. Bruce and his team process a multi-state payroll for over 7500 employees. 

Bruce has been employed in the payroll profession for 30+ years and has worked for several employers in various types of industry. During his career, he has served as a key member for several system upgrades/implementations and mergers/acquisitions. 

Bruce has held his CPP designation since 1989. He has served the APA on the following committees: Hotline Referral, Automated Clearing House - Chair, GATF - Pay Card, Healthcare - SPLTF, Emerging Technologies - SPLTF, CHAMPS Mentor. Additionally, Bruce is one of the original co-authors to the first edition of APA’s “A Successful Guide to Direct Deposit”. 

On the local level, Bruce served as a mentor to the Lehigh Valley Chapter of the APA.  Bruce was elected to the position of President of the Lehigh Valley Chapter in 2006. Bruce was also one of the founding members of the Southeastern PA Chapter of the APA and served as the chapter’s first president.

POTTER,CPP   RHONDA

Rhonda Potter, CPP is the Sr. Payroll Manager for Wyndham Worldwide. She is dedicated to the advancement of the payroll profession and professionals through education and networking opportunities.   She strongly believes in giving back to the profession that has afforded her countless opportunities both professionally and personally.  

Rhonda began her career in payroll in 1997 and received her CPP in 2001. She has had the opportunity to serve on numerous committees and held several offices on the local, state and national level, including Chapter Secretary (2004), Chapter Director of Programs (2005), Texas Payroll Conference (2006-2007). Rhonda also serves on the APA National’s CHAMPS, Hotline Referral, ACH and Paycard Committee. 

In her spare time she likes to read and spend time with her family.

PRICE, CRAIG 

As a speaker, author and entertainer, Craig has helped some of the most effective and diverse corporate leaders, from multibillion-dollar manufacturers to top universities, around the country find the path to success. His honest and realistic approach allows them to understand how to use negativity as a tool for change and productivity.

Craig realized for true long-term motivation and production, one must look at the current tools every person possesses and utilize them. This was the driving force behind his latest book “Half a Glass: The Realist’s Guide” which showcases his desire to bring “reality” based solutions to a variety of issues back into focus. 

An award winning professional stand-up comedian, experienced actor and certified instructor, Craig has a background in customer service, information technology and safety. Craig uses his sharp wit, intelligence and straight talk to deliver entertaining, informative programs that allow people to believe in themselves under any circumstances.

RUSH, JANET SUE 

Janet Sue Rush is one of the nation's most energetic and exciting motivational speakers. A highly successful entrepreneur at the age of only 32, her insights into the secrets of success in sales, customer service, and public relations have inspired audiences numbering in the millions. Whether as a keynote speaker or seminar leader, Janet Sue Rush offers specific steps to transform mediocre performance into peak returns.

Janet's rich and varied background includes sales, customer service, and public relations. She co-founded Strawberry Communications at the age of 32, making her one of America's youngest female entrepreneurs.

The company was so successful it was sought after and eventually acquired by The Zig Ziglar Corporation. There, Janet eventually became the most in-demand speaker in the Ziglar speakers bureau. She draws from that extensive experience to deliver her profoundly inspiring message.

Janet has positively influenced over a million people, and counting! Thousands have attended her live presentations and thousands more have attended her seminars via televised satellite training networks. Countless others have been positively influenced through her audio and video based training curriculums. People from coast-to-coast have left her seminars inspired and armed with ideas they could put to use immediately. Janet never makes a promise without presenting you with a plan; how-to steps to help you get there!

SLOWIK, BRIAN 

Brian Slowik began his career as a Sales Representative covering South Florida for Miami Elevator Company. In 1988 he was recruited by Wyeth Laboratories as their Pharmaceutical Sales Representative for Central Florida. Brian was promoted five times in nine years, and his final position with Wyeth was Director, New Jersey Area, based out of the Wyeth Headquarters. 

In 1997, Brian was recruited by Sembler Investments, located in St. Petersburg, Florida to become the Vice President Sales and Marketing for Skilled Services Corporation, a $30 Million Construction Staffing Company that was sold to True Blue/Labor Ready. 

Brian was a Founding Partner of rapid!PayCard in 2003, and he currently proudly serves as their President. He is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania native and graduated from the University of Florida, College of Journalism, class of 1986.

STRAHLA, SHERRY 

Sherry Strahla has been with Peregrine Point LLC for almost 4 years, shortly after the company started. She is responsible for Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Billing, Payroll, and all other accounting duties.  Her prior experience was with Argonne National Laboratory in the Accounts Payable Department for 5 years, where she was responsible for processing invoices and the laboratory credit card account.

THOMAS, ZACH 

Zach Thomas is the Vice President of Product Strategy for Ultimate Software, where he drives the company's strategy to continue expanding global HCM capabilities and adopt leading-edge technologies for HCM. Prior to joining Ultimate, Thomas’s experience in human capital management included more than 10 years delivering research and advice on the processes, strategies, and tools that help organizations hire, engage, and cultivate high-performing talent. As a senior analyst for Forrester Research, Thomas’s primary research areas included hiring automation, performance management, and human resources management systems. Before joining Forrester, Thomas directed product management and strategy, consulting, and implementation services at two leading human capital software and consulting firms. In those positions, he designed and implemented applicant tracking and performance management products currently in use by multiple Fortune 500 companies.

WALLACE,CAPP   JAN

Jan Wallace has managed Freeman’s Corporate Accounts Payable department for over 28 years.  A past recipient of Freeman’s Distinguished Service Award, she currently oversees SAP Accounts Payable, Concur Employee Expense, purchasing cards, vendor data base, and 1099 reporting.  Freeman is the world’s leading provider of integrated services for face-to-face marketing events, including expositions, conventions, corporate events, and exhibits.  With 41 offices across North America, Freeman produces over 3,900 expositions annually, including 100 of the largest 200 U. S. trade shows, and over 10,000 other events worldwide.

WALLER,CRP, CMC, RIM     BRUCE

 Bruce Waller is the Vice President of Corporate Relocation for Armstrong Relocation, an industry leading moving company for United Van Lines. Bruce has enjoyed many roles in the moving industry from operations to general management with leading moving companies since 1995. Bruce can help you plan your next personal move, as well as help you implement a corporate relocation program. Bruce is also active in the following non-profit associations:

• Dallas Society of Human Resource Management
• North Texas SHRM
• D/FW Staffing and Management Assoc.
• North Texas Relocation Professionals
• Employee Relocation Council (ERC)
• French American Chamber of Commerce
• Lake Cities Netweavers
• Toastmasters International

Bruce is recognized by the Employee Relocation Council as a Certified Relocation Professional (CRP), and is recognized by the American Moving and Storage Association as a Certified Moving Consultant (CMC) and a Registered International Mover (RIM).

Bruce is married to his wife Dana for 24 years, and has three children - Adam, Allison, and Logan. Bruce enjoys playing golf, bowling, reading leadership books, volunteering in the community, and spending time with his family.

WINDSOR,CPP TOMMY

Originally from North Carolina, Tommy has moved through Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and now into Texas to follow his career in payroll taxation. This year he stared his 28^th in payroll taxation. He passed the CPP examination in the spring of 1989, and again in the fall of 2002 and has since renewed his certification in 2007.

He is currently the Payroll Tax Specialist for One Source VHR, a business process outsourcing company based in Euless, TX. The company processed payroll and taxed for its client companies. As of the second quarter of 2011 One Source will file 941 forms for over 175 client companies.

Tommy is an active member of the Dallas Chapter where he has served as Bylaws Committee Chair, two terms as Secretary, interim Education Director and regularly teaches for the educational initiatives of the chapter. Additionally he was instrumental in co-authoring the chapter’s “Making Your Money Work” program for high school students. He was recognized in 2009 as the Dallas Chapter Payroll Professional of the Year.

He served on the Texas Payroll Conference Board of Directors for the 2003 through 2007 conferences. He has spoken on several topics at the conferences in 2005, 2009 and 2010. In 2009, he was surprised and honored to be selected as the Texas Payroll Professional of the Year.

On the national level, Tommy has served on the APA Educational Grant Committee, the Hotline Referral Committee, the Champs Committee, and on the Government Affairs Task Force subcommittee on Tax Forms. At the 2011 national APA Congress in Salt Lake City, he was awarded the APA Meritorious Service Award.

YORK,CPP   CARL

Carl manages US Payroll Operations for La Quinta Inns & Suites (LQ Management, LLC), one of the largest operators of limited-service hotels in the United States.  His department is responsible for the payment of all corporate employees at 400 locations and for issuing nearly 20,000 W-2’s annually.  Carl is also tasked with the management of payroll systems, tax, and project management. 

Carl became a Certified Payroll Professional in the spring of 2005, and graduated with a BBA in Management Accounting in the spring of 2011. 

Carl has been volunteering for the American Payroll Association on a national level since 2006.  He currently serves on the CHAMPS program, the Hotline Referral Committee, and as the Secretary for the Government Affairs Task Force Immigration Subcommittee.  In 2008, Carl spoke at the APA’s Chapter Leadership Seminar and has presented three times at the APA’s annual Congress.  In 2009, he became a member of the APA’s Certification Board, and in 2010, he was awarded the APA’s Meritorious Service Award.  In 2011, Carl was appointed to the APA’s Board of Advisors. 

In September, 2009, Carl received the Judith Houghton Scholarship at TPC, and at the 2010 Conference, he was named 2010 Texas Payroll Professional of the Year. 

Locally, Carl was appointed as a non-voting board member with the Dallas Chapter as Website Liaison in November of 2005.  He was elected as the Website Director in 2006 and served in that position until March 2009.  After serving as Website Director, Carl was elected to the positions of Vice President and then President-Elect.  While serving on the board, he has helped with various projects including the filming of the Money Matters video with Irving ISD and implementing online meeting and member registration.  Carl has also been an instructor for the Dallas Chapter’s “Payroll Concepts” class at North Lake College.  Carl is currently the President of the Dallas Chapter. 

YOUNGMAN,CPP   BARBARA

As Director of Legal Compliance for Brinker International, a leader in casual dining, Barbara Youngman has accumulated over 21 years of payroll and legal compliance experience in the hospitality industry.  She is currently responsible for managing compliance in a multi-state environment with over 100,000 employees specializing in payroll, wage and hour issues, I-9’s and the E-Verify program. 

Barbara is an active member of the American Payroll Association. She serves on the GATF Immigration Subcommittee, SPLTF Best Practices Subcommittee, CHAMPS, Hotline Referral Service, and National Speakers Bureau.  She is a former President of both the local Dallas Chapter and of the Texas Payroll Conference Board. She has been honored with several awards including both the Texas and Dallas Payroll Professional of the Year as well as APA CHAMPS Mentor of the Year.  In addition she has received an APA Payroll Education Grant, the APA Meritorious Service Award, APA’s Special Recognition Award and was named APA’s Payroll Woman of the Year in 2009. 

Barbara is a proud CPP and has held that designation since 1998.