Two payroll professionals who’ve displayed outstanding leadership and who have continually gone above and beyond to help other payroll professionals were honored today during PayrollOrg’s 42nd Annual Payroll Congress.

Mindy Mayo, CPP, and Timothy Wallen, CPP, each received PayrollOrg’s Special Recognition Award for their exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication through their volunteer efforts over their many years as PayrollOrg members and mentors.

Mayo, who currently serves as the Tax Manager for KPMG, has been a payroll professional for more than 30 years. She earned her Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation in 2011 and became a PayrollOrg member in 2021.

“I was surprised to learn that I would be receiving an award,” said Mayo. “Having my contributions recognized by PayrollOrg validates what I am doing and also motivates me to continue helping the organization and its members.” 

Over the course of her career, Mayo has held positions that included Senior Tax Manager at Deloitte, Payroll Director at Armanino LLP, and Director at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

She is a multidisciplined professional with a solid background in payroll tax management and has a record of success in diverse high-pressure business environments. She is an effective leader and communicator with the ability to build loyal teams and boost morale using a positive, staff-empowering management style.

Her volunteer service includes PayrollOrg’s National Speakers Bureau, State and Local Topics and Federal Issues Subcommittees of the Government Relations Task Force (GRTF), and the Global Payroll Editorial Advisory Board.

Mayo has been a frequent presenter at local and national events for PayrollOrg and is considered a subject matter expert on independent contractor determinations, payroll and worker classification issues, payroll tax audits, and issues related to U.S. employment taxes.

In 2022, she received PayrollOrg’s Meritorious Service Award.

“I am determined to grow our volunteers, bringing in a new generation of payroll professionals with the same passion for assisting their colleagues that I have,” Mayo said. “Awards like this show me I’m heading in the right direction!”

Wallen, who serves as the Director of Business Services at Fit Money CPA, has been a payroll professional for more than 20 years. He became CPP-designated in 2013, and a PayrollOrg member in 2015.

Wallen said when he learned he was receiving the Special Recognition Award, he was quite surprised.

“I had previously sent a note to volunteer at the registration desk for the upcoming [Payroll] Congress. Imagine my surprise when I was told that I was being recognized and honored by PayrollOrg,” he said. “Having been involved for several years, I know that there are so many others who contribute to the payroll community as well. However, I consider it a true honor to be recognized for my contributions to both the local and national organization.”

Much of his payroll career has involved positions within education or government entities. These included positions with the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District, Brown Mackie College, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Wallen earned his master’s degree in management from Webster University in 2005, where he graduated summa cum laude.

As a volunteer, Wallen’s service includes PayrollOrg’s SPLTF, Best Practices and Government/Public Sector Best Practices Subcommittees of the SPLTF, and State and Local Topics Subcommittee of the GRTF.

In 2020, he received PayrollOrg’s Meritorious Service Award.

“One of my life goals has been to give back to the community that has provided so many opportunities through the years,” Wallen said. “Being recognized and receiving this award is a personal and professional affirmation that my efforts have been successful and hopefully I have been able to be that mentor to professionals who are following in my footsteps.”

Bryan Kirk is the Senior Writer and Editor of Membership Publications for PayrollOrg.