Susan Baptista, CPP, and Jamie Phillips, CPP, MHA, MHRD, are sterling examples of exceptional payroll leadership and mentorship and who, throughout their careers, have inspired payroll professionals to succeed.

Today, Baptista and Phillips received the greatest honor of their professional careers when they were named PayrollOrg’s Payroll Woman of the Year and Payroll Man of the Year during the 44th Annual Payroll Congress Opening General Session.

 “I don’t usually lack anything to say. This has been an absolute dream of mine," said Baptista.  "When I first came to Congress in Orlando, I said to myself, 'I want to aspire to be that woman, too.' I wasn’t certified. I went back to my office and said to myself, ' I love payroll.'" 

Baptista, Vice President, Director of Payroll and HRIS for Havas Worldwide, has more than 30 years of experience in payroll and human resources. She joined PayrollOrg in 2015 and became a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) in 2001.

Her past volunteer service includes the Board of Advisors, Certification Item Development Task Force, Government Relations Task Force (GRTF), GRTF Immigration Subcommittee, Education Advisory Committee, National Speakers Bureau, Social Networking Committee, and the Nominating and Elections Committee.

She currently serves on the Ask an Expert Committee and the FPC [Fundamental Payroll Certification] Committee.

In 2013, she was awarded the Meritorious Service Award, and in 2018, she was awarded the Special Recognition Award.

She is currently a member of the Greater Boston Chapter of Payroll Professionals where she has held numerous leadership roles and currently serves as the chapter’s treasurer.

" I couldn’t be up here today without the wonderful people in this audience," Baptista said. "There are so many of you and so many great people up here. Thank you all. I don’t know what more to say."

Phillips, who is the Senior Account Manager-Workforce Management at INFOR, has more than 20 years of payroll experience. He joined PayrollOrg in 2016 and has been a CPP since 2002.

 “I am at a loss for words. I was speaking later this week, and I was nervous about that. Thirty years ago, I started my payroll career in Nashville. If it weren't for my mentors, I wouldn’t be here today," said Phillips.

He previously served on the Education Advisory Committee, Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force (SPLTF), and the SPLTF Best Practices Subcommittee.

He is currently a member of the SPLTF Health Care Subcommittee and the National Speakers Bureau.

In 2019, he was a Meritorious Service Award recipient, and in 2023, he received a Special Recognition Award.

" I get joy out of seeing people learn things and grow in their careers," Phillips said. "This is a great honor, and I am very appreciative."

Bryan Kirk is the Senior Writer and Editor of Membership Publications for PayrollOrg. Emily West is a freelance writer in Nashville, Tenn.