Carrie Louise Hovell, CPP, is the American Payroll Association’s Region 1 Board of Advisor. She serves as the liaison between APA and local chapters in Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Learn more about Carrie with this exclusive Q&A session!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Currently, I reside in Virginia but originally hail from Massachusetts. Fun fact – 
they are both Commonwealths. I have been in payroll since October 1998 where I started as a temp and found a great mentor who showed me the behind the curtain view of processing. I love photography and am also a crafter. Each week I make ornaments, wreaths, and throw blankets as gifts. I am huge fan of Boston sports (New England bloodline) so you can hear me cheering for the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruins, and Celtics.
How long have you been involved with APA and local chapters?
I have been a member of APA on a national level since 2004 and the Hotline Referral Service was my first committee a couple of years later. Now, in addition to being on the Board of Advisors representing Region 1 and serving on the hotline, I also volunteer for the Certification Item Development Task Force, Strategic Payroll Leadership Taskforce, and CHAMPS Committee. In 2018, I was presented with the APA Meritorious Service Award.
I have been a member of the Washington Metropolitan Area Chapter (WMAC) since 1999. In that time I have served as President, President-Elect, Treasurer, Meeting/Planning Chair, Exhibitor Committee Chair, National Promotions Chair, and Tri-State Chair. I am also currently the Vice President (2020-21) of the Virginia Statewide Payroll Conference (VSPC) after already serving two years as President (2018-19) and two previous years as Vice President (2016-17). Prior to that, I was the Exhibitor Committee Chair (2011-2015) for the VSPC. I’m currently the Exhibitor Committee Chair (2013-present) for the New England Payroll Conference (NEPC) as well.
What goal would you like to achieve as a Regional Advisor?
My overall goal as Regional Advisor is to be available to all chapters in my region to assist in their growth. I would like my chapters to know they can reach out to me any time and I will be happy to run through ideas, brainstorm solutions, and discuss any chapter concerns they wish to address.
My other goal is to see if my very first proposal to APA national’s leadership comes to fruition. I was very blessed at Congress when a member gave their suggestion to me for the APA. I was able to present their idea to APA leadership and received a great reaction, so I am very hopeful. I want the members in my region to know I am open to hear all ideas and when it comes time to present again, I will be happy to share them..
What advice would you like to give to the chapters in your region?
Don’t give up. If one idea doesn’t work for your specific chapter, there are many others to try. Keep marketing. Try different approaches each month or quarter. Also, utilize social media to develop relationships with your members and local payroll community. Try posting for the holidays or sharing fun facts about payroll or your chapter to keep your page active and on their radar.
When trying to attract new people to volunteer or serve on the chapter’s board, it is very helpful to have a summary sheet of expectations for that person, as well as an estimated time commitment.
What are some chapter issues you have helped resolve?
I had a chapter reach out to me about holding their first webinar. They found attendance was decreasing and they wanted to find another means to provide education. The webinar was a flexible way for their members to attend during lunch and get more people to attend. I provided the chapter with the point of contact we used for my chapter’s first webinar and reviewed the pros/cons of the event. By offering the webinar, the chapter could solve attendance at events and see if their members have an interest in that format for payroll education.
What do you enjoy most about being a Regional Advisor?
I really enjoyed my first APA Board Meeting. I have been a member of the APA for 15 years and I always wondered what happened behind the scenes. As an Advisor, I was able to virtually attend my first board meeting for the APA. What I enjoyed most about the entire experience was finding people that inspire me to be more involved, become an expert in more areas of payroll, and be available to others when they need you. My biggest lesson from the experience was to use your talents and resources to get your message out there and be open to suggestions, concerns, and even criticism. All are given in hopes to make you a stronger presenter and develop your suggestions completely.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be more involved in their chapter?
Reach out to a member of the chapter's board and ask questions on how to get involved. By asking questions, you will learn more about the chapter and be able to offer help. Remember, you may not enjoy every committee. I can name a couple that weren’t in my wheelhouse but when I found the one that was a fit for me, I worked it like no one else. So, try a lot of different things until you find something you like to do. The board has a lot to do each year and each one of us has our own talents. You have one to offer too.
Are you a proud chapter leader in Region 1? Introduce yourself to Carrie in the comments or send her an email.
Carrie, CPP began her 2-year term as the Region 1 Board of Advisor in May 2019.
