Rebecca Harshberger, CPP, and Frank Mares, CPP, are the epitome of unwavering dedication to payroll and throughout their careers have inspired their fellow payroll professionals to succeed.

Today Harshberger and Mares shared the stage as they were named PayrollOrg’s 2024 Payroll Woman of the Year and Payroll Man of the Year.

"I am at a loss for words, and I can’t tell you how shocked I am," she said. "It is really amazing to be recognized by the people who know what it’s like to do payroll and payroll tax. My involvement with PAYO changed the trajectory of my career in a way I could never imagine." 

Harshberger, who recently retired after more than 30 years in payroll, is a payroll consultant and thought leader. She joined PayrollOrg in 2019 and became a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) in 1999.

Over the last several years, Harshberger moderated teaching sessions at Capital Summit, taught online classes to PayrollOrg members, and has also been a guest on PayrollOrg’s “PayTalk” Podcast®.

 Her past volunteer service includes former Co-Chair of the PayrollOrg Government Relations IRS Subcommittee, IRPAC, former Chair of the Payroll and Benefits Subcommittee, Government Relations Task Force (GRTF), a Board of Directors Officer, Federal Issues and, GRTF State and Local Topics Subcommittees of the GRTF, and the National Speakers Bureau.

 In 2014 she was awarded the Meritorious Service Award, and the Special Recognition Award in 2020.

 She was previously a member of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter, where she taught the CPP Review Course to chapter members.

"There's the amount of time and effort you put into your career. It’s another to add on helping others. I have been on the National Speaker’s Bureau for years and years. It has come full circle," she said. "I encourage each and every one of you to get involved at the chapter level or national level. Thank you so much Dan for your leadership. Thank you to everyone in this room for making Payo what it is, and I hope you’ll take advantage of that." 

Mares, the Payroll Director for the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), has more than 20 years of payroll experience. He has been CPP-designated since 2008 and joined PayrollOrg in 2016.

"This is a surprise. Thank you," he said. "I want to thank all of you from the LA chapter." 

He previously served on PayrollOrg’s Social Networking Committee, Certification Item Development Task Force (CIDTF), and the Certification Board.

 He is currently a member of the Chapter Recognition Committee.

 In 2020, he was a Meritorious Service Award recipient.

 He is also a past president of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter, where he is still a member.

"I am at a loss for words here," Mares said. "This organization has increased my career, and I just thank everyone here." 

 Bryan Kirk is the Senior Writer and Editor of Membership Publications for PayrollOrg. Emily West is a freelance writer and reporter from the Nashville, Tennessee, area.