An unwavering dedication to the payroll industry and a desire to help their fellow payroll professionals succeed are just two of the traits that perfectly describe Marcela McCarthy, CPP, and Michael Schoelles, CPP.

On May 16, they also became known as PayrollOrg’s 2023 Payroll Woman of the Year and 2023 Payroll Man of the Year, when their names were announced during the 41st annual Payroll Congress’ Opening Session.

McCarthy, who works as an independent payroll consultant, has been in the payroll business for more than 45 years. She joined PayrollOrg in 1987 and became a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) in 1988.

"It's been an amazing ride," McCarthy said. "As many of you know, I retired last October but still kept up with some small projects." 

Currently, McCarthy serves on the Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force (SPLTF) Best Practices Subcommittee, the National Speakers Bureau, and is a PayrollOrg Ambassador.

Her past committee assignments include the Board of Advisors, the SPLTF, and the SPLTF’s Global Payroll and Manufacturing Best Practices Subcommittees.

McCarthy previously served as a Vice President of PayrollOrg and was a board member of the California Payroll Conference.

In 2011, McCarthy received PayrollOrg’s Meritorious Service Award.

"PayrollOrg has really made my career," she said. "I don't know where I would be without them. Where else would I have learned payroll?"

Schoelles, who is Payroll Director at Bright Horizons Family Solutions, has more than 35 years of payroll experience. He joined PayrollOrg in 2008 and has been a CPP since 2001.

"What an amazing honor," Schoelles said. "Thanks to everyone who supported me and my wackiness over the years." 

He currently is a member of PayrollOrg’s Social Networking Committee, the National Speakers Bureau, and the SPLTF’s Best Practices and Emerging Technologies Subcommittees. Schoelles previously served on PayrollOrg’s Board of Advisors, the Nominating and Elections Committee, and the SPLTF.

In 2015, he received PayrollOrg’s Meritorious Service Award.

Locally, Schoelles is active with the Greater Boston Chapter. Formerly, he was a past President of the North Jersey Chapter and a past member of the New Jersey Statewide Committee.

After more than three decades in payroll, Schoelles said he has a simple message for those who are thinking about, or who are new to a payroll career.

"Get involved at the local level and grow from there," he said.