Lori Carter, CPP, and Link Almon, CPP, are the quintessence of payroll leadership and mentorship, who throughout their careers have inspired their fellow payroll professionals to succeed. 

Today, Carter and Almon 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 43rd Annual Payroll Congress Opening General Session.

“I can't tell you all the important opportunities I’ve been offered because of PAYO," she said. "I’ve testified in front of the IRS commissioner on behalf of the PAYO. I’ve testified in front of the House of Representatives for PAYO. I’ve advanced my career. I am looked at as a subject matter expert. I've been able to share my knowledge with other professionals, and hopefully inspire them, as so many of you sitting right here right now inspire me."

Carter, the Director of Payroll and Labor-Finance for Guidehouse, has more than 30 years of payroll experience. She earned her Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation in 2002 and joined PayrollOrg in 2003.

Her past volunteer service includes the Board of Advisors, Certification Item Development Task Force (CIDTF), FPC Committee, Education Advisory Committee, and the Nominating and Elections Committee. She currently serves on the Ask an Expert Committee, CIDTF, Certification Board, and National Speaker’s Bureau.

In 2014, she was awarded the Meritorious Service Award, and in 2023, she and her payroll team received the Prism Award for Overall Best Practices.

She is currently a member of the Washington Metro Area Chapter, where she has held numerous leadership roles.

 "I have lifelong friends because of this organization, and I can't thank everyone enough for this amazing honor. Thank you,” Carter said.

Almon, who is the Vice President, Payroll at Shearwater Health, has more than 20 years of payroll experience. He earned his CPP designation in 2010 and has been a PayrollOrg member since 2017.

“This has been a great adventure for me. We all have challenges we face every day, but this is the ultimate ‘power up,”  Almon said.

He previously served on the CIDTF and the Electronic Payments Committee.

He is currently a member of the GRTF Electronic Payments Subcommittee, CPP Committee, Ask an Expert Committee, Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force (SPLTF), and SPLTF Best Practices and Emerging Technologies Subcommittees.

In 2017, he was a Meritorious Service Award recipient, and in 2022, he received the Special Recognition Award.

He is past president of the Greater Nashville Chapter, where he is still a member.

"I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to do this. Get involved. If you’re not involved in all things PAYO, it’s a great opportunity," said Almon "To all the payroll professionals out there: Keep up the good work. Support PAYO, and move our profession forward.”

Bryan Kirk is the Senior Writer and Editor of Membership Publications for PayrollOrg. Holly Kapherr is a freelance writer based in Orlando, Florida.