National Payroll Week
WHEN: Wed 9/16/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Thurs 9/17/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Fri 9/18/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
RCH: 2 RCH’S per day/session – total 6 RCHs for 3 days
VENUE: For those who RSVP/Pay – a Private Zoom Meeting Invite will be emailed
RSVP/Pay: Two Simple steps: RSVP DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 9/10/26
Step 1 reply: SurveyMonkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8NSSMQR
Step 2 make payment: http://apanewyorkmetro.com/adjustments
Option 1: Nonmember $25 per session ($25 - $75)
Option 2: Nonmember Special $60 for all sessions
Option 3: Member-only Special $20 for all sessions
Agenda:
Dates
Day of Week
Event Description
Venue
# of RCH's
September National Payroll Week – Three Day Celebration: 9/16, 9/17 & 9/18
9/16/2026
Wednesday
Speaker: Brian Barnett, SR Account Executive, ValeU Group
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: SUI Management: Problems, Solutions, and Insights
9/17/2026
Thursday
Speaker: Roy Chugh, Head of Integrated Partnerships Convera Holdings LLC
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: Global Payments and FX Risk Management
9/18/2026
Friday
Speaker: Nermine Zakhary
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: Boost Your Game Unlock Leadership Excellence
Wednesday September 16th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Brian Barnett, Account Executive at ValeU Group, Inc.
Brian has over 30 years of experience in servicing the SUI needs of Corporate America. Brian has gained valuable insight into payroll administration, unemployment claims, verification of employment and SUI tax management. He has used that knowledge to improve the operating procedures and lower the SUI tax cost burden for his clients, through proactive consulting.
Brian assists companies in auditing and analyzing their SUI tax rate calculations. The audit identifies tax refunds, incorrect rate calculations, penalty tax rates, M&A compliance
Background, Professional and industry experience Brian started his Unemployment Consulting career in 1990 as one of the founding members of Barnett Associates, Inc. His efforts assisted in establishing Barnett Associates as one of the premier SUI consulting firms in the nation. Barnett Associates was acquired by Equifax in 2017 and shortly after Brian joined ValeU Group, Inc., which was started in 2010 by Jared Vale. Brian and Jared had worked together for 20 years at Barnett Associates, so it was a natural fit.
Summary of Presentation Topic: State Unemployment Insurance, Tax and Claims Management.
Presentation Title: SUI Management: Problems, Solutions, and Insights.
Session Description: The management of an organizations SUI tax cost has many moving parts that can create problems for the employer. Attendees will gain the insights necessary to avoid problems or implement the solutions that are needed to fix them. We will discuss, tax ramifications of M&A, importance of auditing accounts, compliance issues, penalty tax rates, claims control, payroll analytics and more in this comprehensive overview.
Presentation Abstract: SUI is a somewhat controllable payroll tax, but compliance to each state’s individual laws is a key component. SUI laws offer businesses opportunities to decrease cost or limit cost increases, but employers must have the insight to take advantage of these cost lowering solutions. In addition, they must understand the compliance requirements of each state, so they don’t become penalized. The management of SUI cost has many moving parts that create problems for the employer, but solutions are available if you do your "homework" and become educated on the "best practices". SUI cost management can be broken down into 2 distinct areas: Tax & Claims. A comprehensive SUI management program encompassing both areas, will be taught and discussed during the session. With emphasis on; Tax Laws, Compliance Issues, M&A, Account Audits, Life Cycle of a Claim, and HR Payroll Data Analytics. SUI is an employer cost that encompasses multiple departments, Payroll, Finance, Tax, HR. The session will review how the multiple departments can work together to save time & cost, thus benefiting the organization as a whole.
Thursday September 17th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Roy Chugh Head of Integrated Partnerships, Convera Holdings LLC Roy Chugh is Director, Account Management at Convera, where he works with enterprise clients and strategic partners across the global payments ecosystem. His work spans cross-border payments, foreign exchange, payroll, statutory payments, Travel & Expense payments, clinical trials payments, AP automation, and integrated partner channels. Roy brings a practical and executive level client-facing perspective on how organizations can simplify international payment execution, manage FX exposure, and improve payment operations across regions.
Roy Chugh is Director, Account Management at Convera, where he works with enterprise clients and strategic partners across the global payments ecosystem. His work spans cross-border payments, foreign exchange, payroll, statutory payments, Travel & Expense payments, clinical trials payments, AP automation, and integrated partner channels. Roy brings a practical and executive level client-facing perspective on how organizations can simplify international payment execution, manage FX exposure, and improve payment operations across regions.
Background, Professional and industry experience
Roy is well suited to present on behalf of Convera because he combines commercial leadership with hands-on knowledge of global payment flows, FX risk management, partner integrations, compliance considerations, and enterprise client needs. In his role, he regularly translates complex payment, foreign exchange, API integration, and operational topics into clear guidance for executives, sales teams, partners, and customers. His experience supporting large enterprises and strategic partnerships gives him a strong understanding of the real-world challenges payroll and finance teams face when paying globally, including transparency, controls, timing, funding, beneficiary experience, and currency risk.
Summary of Presentation
Presentation Title Global Payments and FX Risk Management
Summary of Presentation Topic This presentation will provide an accessible overview of global payments and FX risk management for payroll and finance professionals. Roy will discuss why cross-border payments are becoming more complex, how currency volatility can affect payment outcomes, and what organizations should consider when designing reliable global payment programs. The session will also highlight practical approaches to improving visibility, reducing operational friction, strengthening controls, and partnering effectively with payment providers to support global workforce, vendor, and business payment needs.
Friday September 18th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Nermine Zakhary, Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Strengths-Edge Coaching.
Speaker Bio: Nermine Zakhary is Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Strengths-Edge Coaching. Through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and team workshops, she helps individuals and teams uncover their unique talents and reach their full potential. Combining the Gallup CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder 2.0) assessment with the Positive Intelligence (PQ) program, Nermine helps clients navigate challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and performance, trading weakness-fixing for strengths-building.
Background, Professional and industry experience Nermine brings over 20 years of experience in the training industry, including roles at Highland Hospital and Xerox Corporation. She holds a master’s degree in education, specializing in Instructional Design for Online Learning, from Capella University. She is a Certified Strengths Strategy Coach, trained and certified through Strengths Strategy, LLC (now People Acuity), and a trained Positive Intelligence (PQ) coach, and has spoken for organizations including the American Payroll Association, Rochester Women’s Network, NAWBO, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Syracuse University, as well as for PAYO’s New York Metropolitan Chapter, where she presented on Strengths & PQ in May 2022.
Summary of Presentation This session makes the research-backed case for strengths-based leadership, busting three common myths about growth and teamwork and showing how focusing on strengths drives 43% higher productivity, 36.4% higher individual performance, and six times higher engagement. Through a hands-on writing challenge, attendees experience firsthand why work from a place of strength feels natural and fluid, while work from weakness feels awkward and effortful. That distinction matters: teams are 40% likely to be disengaged when a leader ignores their strengths, 22% when a leader focuses on weaknesses, and just 1% when a leader focuses on strengths.
Nermine traces the story behind the Clifton Strengths assessment (StrengthsFinder 2.0) and the strengths movement now embraced by more than 30 million people and organizations from Toyota to the U.S. Coast Guard, then walks through how to lead with strengths: knowing and owning your own strengths as a leader and learning your team’s strengths across the four domains of leadership: Strategic Thinking, Executing, Influencing, and Relationship Building. She closes with three key findings on why followers follow the most effective leaders, and practical next steps, including a bite-sized action, a vision for what’s possible, and a support system, to create lasting impact.
National Payroll Week
WHEN: Wed 9/16/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Thurs 9/17/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Fri 9/18/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
RCH: 2 RCH’S per day/session – total 6 RCHs for 3 days
VENUE: For those who RSVP/Pay – a Private Zoom Meeting Invite will be emailed
RSVP/Pay: Two Simple steps: RSVP DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 9/10/26
Step 1 reply: SurveyMonkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8NSSMQR
Step 2 make payment: http://apanewyorkmetro.com/adjustments
Option 1: Nonmember $25 per session ($25 - $75)
Option 2: Nonmember Special $60 for all sessions
Option 3: Member-only Special $20 for all sessions
Agenda:
Dates
Day of Week
Event Description
Venue
# of RCH's
September National Payroll Week – Three Day Celebration: 9/16, 9/17 & 9/18
9/16/2026
Wednesday
Speaker: Brian Barnett, SR Account Executive, ValeU Group
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: SUI Management: Problems, Solutions, and Insights
9/17/2026
Thursday
Speaker: Roy Chugh, Head of Integrated Partnerships Convera Holdings LLC
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: Global Payments and FX Risk Management
9/18/2026
Friday
Speaker: Nermine Zakhary
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: Boost Your Game Unlock Leadership Excellence
Wednesday September 16th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Brian Barnett, Account Executive at ValeU Group, Inc.
Brian has over 30 years of experience in servicing the SUI needs of Corporate America. Brian has gained valuable insight into payroll administration, unemployment claims, verification of employment and SUI tax management. He has used that knowledge to improve the operating procedures and lower the SUI tax cost burden for his clients, through proactive consulting.
Brian assists companies in auditing and analyzing their SUI tax rate calculations. The audit identifies tax refunds, incorrect rate calculations, penalty tax rates, M&A compliance
Background, Professional and industry experience Brian started his Unemployment Consulting career in 1990 as one of the founding members of Barnett Associates, Inc. His efforts assisted in establishing Barnett Associates as one of the premier SUI consulting firms in the nation. Barnett Associates was acquired by Equifax in 2017 and shortly after Brian joined ValeU Group, Inc., which was started in 2010 by Jared Vale. Brian and Jared had worked together for 20 years at Barnett Associates, so it was a natural fit.
Summary of Presentation Topic: State Unemployment Insurance, Tax and Claims Management.
Presentation Title: SUI Management: Problems, Solutions, and Insights.
Session Description: The management of an organizations SUI tax cost has many moving parts that can create problems for the employer. Attendees will gain the insights necessary to avoid problems or implement the solutions that are needed to fix them. We will discuss, tax ramifications of M&A, importance of auditing accounts, compliance issues, penalty tax rates, claims control, payroll analytics and more in this comprehensive overview.
Presentation Abstract: SUI is a somewhat controllable payroll tax, but compliance to each state’s individual laws is a key component. SUI laws offer businesses opportunities to decrease cost or limit cost increases, but employers must have the insight to take advantage of these cost lowering solutions. In addition, they must understand the compliance requirements of each state, so they don’t become penalized. The management of SUI cost has many moving parts that create problems for the employer, but solutions are available if you do your "homework" and become educated on the "best practices". SUI cost management can be broken down into 2 distinct areas: Tax & Claims. A comprehensive SUI management program encompassing both areas, will be taught and discussed during the session. With emphasis on; Tax Laws, Compliance Issues, M&A, Account Audits, Life Cycle of a Claim, and HR Payroll Data Analytics. SUI is an employer cost that encompasses multiple departments, Payroll, Finance, Tax, HR. The session will review how the multiple departments can work together to save time & cost, thus benefiting the organization as a whole.
Thursday September 17th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Roy Chugh Head of Integrated Partnerships, Convera Holdings LLC Roy Chugh is Director, Account Management at Convera, where he works with enterprise clients and strategic partners across the global payments ecosystem. His work spans cross-border payments, foreign exchange, payroll, statutory payments, Travel & Expense payments, clinical trials payments, AP automation, and integrated partner channels. Roy brings a practical and executive level client-facing perspective on how organizations can simplify international payment execution, manage FX exposure, and improve payment operations across regions.
Roy Chugh is Director, Account Management at Convera, where he works with enterprise clients and strategic partners across the global payments ecosystem. His work spans cross-border payments, foreign exchange, payroll, statutory payments, Travel & Expense payments, clinical trials payments, AP automation, and integrated partner channels. Roy brings a practical and executive level client-facing perspective on how organizations can simplify international payment execution, manage FX exposure, and improve payment operations across regions.
Background, Professional and industry experience
Roy is well suited to present on behalf of Convera because he combines commercial leadership with hands-on knowledge of global payment flows, FX risk management, partner integrations, compliance considerations, and enterprise client needs. In his role, he regularly translates complex payment, foreign exchange, API integration, and operational topics into clear guidance for executives, sales teams, partners, and customers. His experience supporting large enterprises and strategic partnerships gives him a strong understanding of the real-world challenges payroll and finance teams face when paying globally, including transparency, controls, timing, funding, beneficiary experience, and currency risk.
Summary of Presentation
Presentation Title Global Payments and FX Risk Management
Summary of Presentation Topic This presentation will provide an accessible overview of global payments and FX risk management for payroll and finance professionals. Roy will discuss why cross-border payments are becoming more complex, how currency volatility can affect payment outcomes, and what organizations should consider when designing reliable global payment programs. The session will also highlight practical approaches to improving visibility, reducing operational friction, strengthening controls, and partnering effectively with payment providers to support global workforce, vendor, and business payment needs.
Friday September 18th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Nermine Zakhary, Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Strengths-Edge Coaching.
Speaker Bio: Nermine Zakhary is Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Strengths-Edge Coaching. Through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and team workshops, she helps individuals and teams uncover their unique talents and reach their full potential. Combining the Gallup CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder 2.0) assessment with the Positive Intelligence (PQ) program, Nermine helps clients navigate challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and performance, trading weakness-fixing for strengths-building.
Background, Professional and industry experience Nermine brings over 20 years of experience in the training industry, including roles at Highland Hospital and Xerox Corporation. She holds a master’s degree in education, specializing in Instructional Design for Online Learning, from Capella University. She is a Certified Strengths Strategy Coach, trained and certified through Strengths Strategy, LLC (now People Acuity), and a trained Positive Intelligence (PQ) coach, and has spoken for organizations including the American Payroll Association, Rochester Women’s Network, NAWBO, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Syracuse University, as well as for PAYO’s New York Metropolitan Chapter, where she presented on Strengths & PQ in May 2022.
Summary of Presentation This session makes the research-backed case for strengths-based leadership, busting three common myths about growth and teamwork and showing how focusing on strengths drives 43% higher productivity, 36.4% higher individual performance, and six times higher engagement. Through a hands-on writing challenge, attendees experience firsthand why work from a place of strength feels natural and fluid, while work from weakness feels awkward and effortful. That distinction matters: teams are 40% likely to be disengaged when a leader ignores their strengths, 22% when a leader focuses on weaknesses, and just 1% when a leader focuses on strengths.
Nermine traces the story behind the Clifton Strengths assessment (StrengthsFinder 2.0) and the strengths movement now embraced by more than 30 million people and organizations from Toyota to the U.S. Coast Guard, then walks through how to lead with strengths: knowing and owning your own strengths as a leader and learning your team’s strengths across the four domains of leadership: Strategic Thinking, Executing, Influencing, and Relationship Building. She closes with three key findings on why followers follow the most effective leaders, and practical next steps, including a bite-sized action, a vision for what’s possible, and a support system, to create lasting impact.
National Payroll Week
WHEN: Wed 9/16/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Thurs 9/17/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Fri 9/18/26 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
RCH: 2 RCH’S per day/session – total 6 RCHs for 3 days
VENUE: For those who RSVP/Pay – a Private Zoom Meeting Invite will be emailed
RSVP/Pay: Two Simple steps: RSVP DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 9/10/26
Step 1 reply: SurveyMonkey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8NSSMQR
Step 2 make payment: http://apanewyorkmetro.com/adjustments
Option 1: Nonmember $25 per session ($25 - $75)
Option 2: Nonmember Special $60 for all sessions
Option 3: Member-only Special $20 for all sessions
Agenda:
Dates
Day of Week
Event Description
Venue
# of RCH's
September National Payroll Week – Three Day Celebration: 9/16, 9/17 & 9/18
9/16/2026
Wednesday
Speaker: Brian Barnett, SR Account Executive, ValeU Group
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: SUI Management: Problems, Solutions, and Insights
9/17/2026
Thursday
Speaker: Roy Chugh, Head of Integrated Partnerships Convera Holdings LLC
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: Global Payments and FX Risk Management
9/18/2026
Friday
Speaker: Nermine Zakhary
Virtual – 12:00PM to 2:00PM, EST
2
Topic: Boost Your Game Unlock Leadership Excellence
Wednesday September 16th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Brian Barnett, Account Executive at ValeU Group, Inc.
Brian has over 30 years of experience in servicing the SUI needs of Corporate America. Brian has gained valuable insight into payroll administration, unemployment claims, verification of employment and SUI tax management. He has used that knowledge to improve the operating procedures and lower the SUI tax cost burden for his clients, through proactive consulting.
Brian assists companies in auditing and analyzing their SUI tax rate calculations. The audit identifies tax refunds, incorrect rate calculations, penalty tax rates, M&A compliance
Background, Professional and industry experience Brian started his Unemployment Consulting career in 1990 as one of the founding members of Barnett Associates, Inc. His efforts assisted in establishing Barnett Associates as one of the premier SUI consulting firms in the nation. Barnett Associates was acquired by Equifax in 2017 and shortly after Brian joined ValeU Group, Inc., which was started in 2010 by Jared Vale. Brian and Jared had worked together for 20 years at Barnett Associates, so it was a natural fit.
Summary of Presentation Topic: State Unemployment Insurance, Tax and Claims Management.
Presentation Title: SUI Management: Problems, Solutions, and Insights.
Session Description: The management of an organizations SUI tax cost has many moving parts that can create problems for the employer. Attendees will gain the insights necessary to avoid problems or implement the solutions that are needed to fix them. We will discuss, tax ramifications of M&A, importance of auditing accounts, compliance issues, penalty tax rates, claims control, payroll analytics and more in this comprehensive overview.
Presentation Abstract: SUI is a somewhat controllable payroll tax, but compliance to each state’s individual laws is a key component. SUI laws offer businesses opportunities to decrease cost or limit cost increases, but employers must have the insight to take advantage of these cost lowering solutions. In addition, they must understand the compliance requirements of each state, so they don’t become penalized. The management of SUI cost has many moving parts that create problems for the employer, but solutions are available if you do your "homework" and become educated on the "best practices". SUI cost management can be broken down into 2 distinct areas: Tax & Claims. A comprehensive SUI management program encompassing both areas, will be taught and discussed during the session. With emphasis on; Tax Laws, Compliance Issues, M&A, Account Audits, Life Cycle of a Claim, and HR Payroll Data Analytics. SUI is an employer cost that encompasses multiple departments, Payroll, Finance, Tax, HR. The session will review how the multiple departments can work together to save time & cost, thus benefiting the organization as a whole.
Thursday September 17th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Roy Chugh Head of Integrated Partnerships, Convera Holdings LLC Roy Chugh is Director, Account Management at Convera, where he works with enterprise clients and strategic partners across the global payments ecosystem. His work spans cross-border payments, foreign exchange, payroll, statutory payments, Travel & Expense payments, clinical trials payments, AP automation, and integrated partner channels. Roy brings a practical and executive level client-facing perspective on how organizations can simplify international payment execution, manage FX exposure, and improve payment operations across regions.
Roy Chugh is Director, Account Management at Convera, where he works with enterprise clients and strategic partners across the global payments ecosystem. His work spans cross-border payments, foreign exchange, payroll, statutory payments, Travel & Expense payments, clinical trials payments, AP automation, and integrated partner channels. Roy brings a practical and executive level client-facing perspective on how organizations can simplify international payment execution, manage FX exposure, and improve payment operations across regions.
Background, Professional and industry experience
Roy is well suited to present on behalf of Convera because he combines commercial leadership with hands-on knowledge of global payment flows, FX risk management, partner integrations, compliance considerations, and enterprise client needs. In his role, he regularly translates complex payment, foreign exchange, API integration, and operational topics into clear guidance for executives, sales teams, partners, and customers. His experience supporting large enterprises and strategic partnerships gives him a strong understanding of the real-world challenges payroll and finance teams face when paying globally, including transparency, controls, timing, funding, beneficiary experience, and currency risk.
Summary of Presentation
Presentation Title Global Payments and FX Risk Management
Summary of Presentation Topic This presentation will provide an accessible overview of global payments and FX risk management for payroll and finance professionals. Roy will discuss why cross-border payments are becoming more complex, how currency volatility can affect payment outcomes, and what organizations should consider when designing reliable global payment programs. The session will also highlight practical approaches to improving visibility, reducing operational friction, strengthening controls, and partnering effectively with payment providers to support global workforce, vendor, and business payment needs.
Friday September 18th – 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST - Speaker Bio: Nermine Zakhary, Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Strengths-Edge Coaching.
Speaker Bio: Nermine Zakhary is Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of Strengths-Edge Coaching. Through 1:1 coaching, group coaching, and team workshops, she helps individuals and teams uncover their unique talents and reach their full potential. Combining the Gallup CliftonStrengths (StrengthsFinder 2.0) assessment with the Positive Intelligence (PQ) program, Nermine helps clients navigate challenges with greater clarity, resilience, and performance, trading weakness-fixing for strengths-building.
Background, Professional and industry experience Nermine brings over 20 years of experience in the training industry, including roles at Highland Hospital and Xerox Corporation. She holds a master’s degree in education, specializing in Instructional Design for Online Learning, from Capella University. She is a Certified Strengths Strategy Coach, trained and certified through Strengths Strategy, LLC (now People Acuity), and a trained Positive Intelligence (PQ) coach, and has spoken for organizations including the American Payroll Association, Rochester Women’s Network, NAWBO, Rochester Institute of Technology, and Syracuse University, as well as for PAYO’s New York Metropolitan Chapter, where she presented on Strengths & PQ in May 2022.
Summary of Presentation This session makes the research-backed case for strengths-based leadership, busting three common myths about growth and teamwork and showing how focusing on strengths drives 43% higher productivity, 36.4% higher individual performance, and six times higher engagement. Through a hands-on writing challenge, attendees experience firsthand why work from a place of strength feels natural and fluid, while work from weakness feels awkward and effortful. That distinction matters: teams are 40% likely to be disengaged when a leader ignores their strengths, 22% when a leader focuses on weaknesses, and just 1% when a leader focuses on strengths.
Nermine traces the story behind the Clifton Strengths assessment (StrengthsFinder 2.0) and the strengths movement now embraced by more than 30 million people and organizations from Toyota to the U.S. Coast Guard, then walks through how to lead with strengths: knowing and owning your own strengths as a leader and learning your team’s strengths across the four domains of leadership: Strategic Thinking, Executing, Influencing, and Relationship Building. She closes with three key findings on why followers follow the most effective leaders, and practical next steps, including a bite-sized action, a vision for what’s possible, and a support system, to create lasting impact.
3rd Lunch & Learn Virtual & In Person
Join us for a Sizzling Summer Lunch & Learn Op & Earn 2 RCH's! Thursday June 25th, 2026
RSVP BY FRIDAY June 12th !!!
DATE: Join us on Thursday June 25th, 2026, for a Lunch & Learn
TIME: From 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM EST
WHERE: IN PERSON – ACT NOW! SPACE IS LIMITED!
PLEASE BRING PHOTO ID!!
LHH
10 East 21st Street
3rd Floor
NY, NY 10010
OR
VIRTUAL – Zoom invite sent prior to event to those who pay/RSVP
SPEAKER: Julie Develin, Sr. Partner, Human Insights at UKG
TOPIC: More Than Money: Payroll’s Influence on Culture, Connection, and the Employee Experience
AGENDA -
12:00 – 1:00 pm In Person Lunch – Virtual Lobby meet & greet
1:00 – 2:30 pm Speaker Presentation
2:30 – 3:00 pm Q & A
Step 1, RSVP via survey monkey:
RSVP: By Friday June 12th, 2026 ! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FW57BJC
Step 2, make payment:
MEMBER COST: In Person FREE , Virtual FREE
NON-MEMBER COST: In Person $20 , Virtual $10 http://apanewyorkmetro.com/adjustments
TWO PAYMENT OPTIONS!!
· OPTION 1: Preferred Method: Zelle: email for the NY Metro Chapter is: nymetroapa@gmail.com
· OPTION 2: PayPal http://apanewyorkmetro.com/adjustments
Speaker Bio: Julie Develin, MSHRD, SHRM-SCP, GTML is a sought-after speaker, consultant, podcast host, and workplace strategist focused on the intersection of humanity and technology at work. Known for her clarity, candor, and contagious energy, Julie helps leaders make sense of today’s workplace shifts—from AI to employee experience to culture and beyond—and take meaningful action.
She brings a unique blend of corporate insight, academic grounding, and real-world pragmatism, shaped by her work with thousands of HR and business leaders across industries and her experience leading an HR department for more than 17 years. A longtime voice in the HCM space, Julie has been named a Top 100 HR Influencer and is often the one organization turns to when they need to cut through the noise and refocus on what actually moves people and performance forward.
Julie teaches graduate-level HR courses, hosts the When Work Works podcast, and writes a popular LinkedIn newsletter called The Weekly Prompt. She’s been quoted in outlets including Vice, Fast Company, Forbes, and HR Executive. When she’s not on stage, in the classroom, or cheering on the Philadelphia Phillies, she’s probably asking, “Wait, but why do we still do it that way?”—and helping someone find a better path forward.
Background, Professional and industry experience Develin is a SHRM-SCP and holds a Global Talent Management Leader (GTML) credential. She has an M.S. in human resources development from McDaniel College and continues to work as an adjunct professor in the human resources management and human services management programs there.
Summary of Presentation Payroll is one of the most personal interactions employees have with their employer. It shows up on a regular cadence, it affects real life, and people notice when it goes right. They notice even faster when it does not. Because of that, payroll plays a much bigger role in trust and confidence than it often gets credit for.
In this session, we’ll look at payroll beyond the transaction and talk honestly about the influence it has on culture, connection, and the day-to-day employee experience. We’ll explore how payroll moments shape how employees feel about their workplace, their leaders, and the organization. We’ll also talk about what happens when payroll, HR, IT, and leaders work together with shared intent and clarity.
Attendees will leave with practical, realistic ideas they can use to strengthen trust, communicate more clearly, and support a people-first experience. No added complexity. No loss of compliance. Just a clearer view of how payroll helps create a workplace where people feel supported and confident.
2nd- Virtual Lunch & Learn - AI and its Use in Payroll Compliance
SPRING into action with the NY Metro PAYO & earn 2 RCHs!
Join us for our second virtual Lunch & Learn webinar of 2026!
Check out our updated 2026 Events schedule below with a fantastic line up of speakers & topics!!
WHEN: Thursday April 23, 2026, ~ 12 Noon to 2 PM EST
TOPIC: AI and Its Use in Payroll Compliance
SPEAKER: Emmett Swan, CPP Senior Compliance Officer, Gusto
VENUE: Virtual
RSVP: Friday April 17th, 2026
For all 2026 NY Metro Paid Members: As a 2026 calendar year paid member, one of your many membership benefits is FREE access to this virtual Lunch & Learn! RSVP is your acceptance to the zoom invite that will follow this email. Upon joining the zoom meeting day of, please be sure to use the name & email address used for 2026 paid membership renewal to ensure swift receipt of RCH certificates.
For 2026 Non-Members – your payment via Zelle/PayPal is your RSVP. Once received, the zoom invite will be sent to you. Not a member – ACT NOW and become a 2026 Member! See below…
· Attendance is FREE for 2026 NY Metro Chapter Members!!
· Non-Member fee is $10.00: http://apanewyorkmetro.com/adjustments
· Not a NY Metro Chapter member? Join NOW – see below
AGENDA -
12 Noon – 1:45 PM EST Speaker Presentation
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM EST Q & A
Speaker BIO Emmett Swan, CPP Senior Compliance Officer, Gusto
Emmett Swan is a highly accomplished payroll professional with over 25 years of experience in strategic planning and internal payroll operations. As the Senior Compliance Officer at Gusto, Emmett specializes in bridging the gap between complex regulatory requirements and scalable product solutions. He is a dedicated advocate for the industry; he has been a member of PayrollOrg (PAYO) since 2009 and earned his Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation in 2010.
Emmett is widely recognized for his leadership and service, recently receiving the prestigious Meritorious Service Award at the 2024 PAYO Virtual Congress & Expo. His commitment to the profession is further demonstrated through his extensive volunteer work on numerous national committees and his role as a board member for the NY Metro Chapter of PAYO. Based in New York City, Emmett continues to shape the future of payroll compliance by integrating modern technology with deep legislative expertise.
Background, Professional and Industry/Technical experience
Strategic Compliance Leadership: Over a decade focused exclusively on payroll product compliance for both public and private sectors.
System Innovation: Pivotal in developing scalable payroll systems that align with evolving tax legislation and organizational growth.
AI Integration: An "AI Native" leader who leverages artificial intelligence to automate manual processes, validate complex tax calculations, and summarize legislative impacts for improved efficiency.
Risk Management: Collaborates across multidisciplinary teams to assess regulatory risks and prioritize critical infrastructure enhancements.
Industry Involvement & Advisory Roles
Advisory Boards: Provides strategic insight to Symmetry Software and PayrollOrg (PAYO) to advance industry-wide standards.
PAYO National Committees: Active contributor to the Ask an Expert, Chapter Recognition, and Government Relations Task Force (GRTF) (Federal, State, and Local subcommittees).
Strategic Task Forces: Member of the Strategic Payroll Leadership Task Force (SPLTF) focusing on Best Practices for Small Employers.
Local Leadership: Serves as a Board Member, Webmaster, and Local Administrator for the New York Metropolitan Chapter of PAYO.
Summary of presentation - Presentation Title: AI and Its Use in Payroll Compliance
Session Overview
In an era where tax codes and labor laws evolve weekly, the role of a Payroll Professional has shifted from manual oversight to strategic orchestration. This session explores how AI acts as a force multiplier in daily payroll operations, from automating tedious data validation to interpreting complex legislative changes in real time.
Presentation Outline
1. The Modern Compliance Landscape
The Shift: Moving from reactive auditing to "Real-Time Compliance."
The Role of AI: How Generative AI bridges the gap between massive data sets and actionable payroll decisions.
Trust & Verification: The "Human-in-the-Loop" philosophy—why AI calculates, but humans certify.
2. Efficiency & Automation: Beyond the Spreadsheet
Anomaly Detection: Using AI to scan payroll registers for "outliers" (e.g., unexpected bonus spikes, duplicate payments, or unusual overtime) before the "Calculate" button is pressed.
Workflow Automation: Demonstrating how to use AI in the ticketing process of payroll issues.
3. Tax Calculation & Legislative Review
The Legislative Digest: How I use AI to summarize legislative updates (e.g., new state-specific paid leave laws) into engineering summaries
Complex Scenarios: Modeling "What-If" tax scenarios for multi-state or remote employees.
4. Communication: Internal & External
Internal Support: Using AI to build an internal knowledge base (IKB) that helps front-line employees answer customer questions (e.g., "Why is my net pay different this month?") with empathy and clarity.
Tone Management: Using AI to translate "Compliance-speak" into "Employee-friendly" language.
External Support: Using AI for customer Help Center (HC)
Key Highlights for Your Summary
Accuracy: AI serves as a secondary "sanity check" for manual calculations, reducing the risk of penalties.
Timesaving: Routine legislative reviews that used to take 4 hours now take 15 minutes of refined prompting and verification.
Agility: The ability to pivot quickly with the fluid nature of payroll
In the spirit of giving, don’t forget yourself! Act NOW!
Become a 2026 NY Metro PAYO Member for ONLY $45!
*The NY Metro APA is autonomous from the National PayrollOrg – which has separate membership fees*
It’s a quick & simple 2 step process, that takes less than 5 minutes.
Make your $45 Payment (via PayPal OR Zelle) by clicking here:
Join or Pay Dues — NY Metro PAYO (apanewyorkmetro.com)
Enter in $45
Complete the 2026 NY Metro Membership Application Form:
1st Virtual Lunch & Learn - Payroll Fraud
Toast a new year with the NY Metro PAYO & earn 2 RCH’s!
Join us for our first virtual Lunch & Learn seminar of 2026!
WHEN: Thursday February 26th ~ 12 Noon to 2 PM EST
TOPIC: Payroll Fraud
SPEAKER: Jim Kohl, Head of Service Delivery at Check Technologies
VENUE: Virtual ~ once RSVP is received a link will be emailed by Tuesday February 24th , 2026.
RSVP: Friday February 20th, 2026 via Survey Monkey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NLM9YBL
· Attendance is FREE for 2026 NY Metro Chapter Members!!
· Non-Member fee is $10.00: http://apanewyorkmetro.com/adjustments
· Not a NY Metro Chapter member? Join NOW – see below
AGENDA -
12 Noon – 1:45 PM EST Speaker Presentation
1:45 PM – 2:00 PM EST Q & A
Speaker Bio:
Jim Kohl is the Head of Service Delivery at Check Technologies and a recognized voice in the payroll industry. With 20 years of hands-on payroll experience, he partners with teams to strengthen payroll operations, deepen industry knowledge, and tackle real-world payroll challenges. Jim is known for his operational excellence, people-first perspective, and his ability to bring clarity (and humor) to one of the most critical functions in any organization.
Background, Professional and industry experience
Jim launched his payroll career at Paychex, where he built a strong operational foundation and earned his Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation. He later joined Namely during its early growth as an HR and payroll startup, gaining firsthand experience in scaling modern payroll solutions. Jim went on to become the first hire at Check Technologies, helping to launch the industry’s first embedded payroll platform and contributing to a new model for how payroll is built and delivered.
Throughout his career, Jim has shared his expertise as a speaker and trainer at payroll conferences and as a guest on industry podcasts. He is also the creator and illustrator of Humanoid Resources, a payroll-themed comic strip frequently featured in PayrollOrg’s Paytech magazine. Today, Jim leads Service Delivery at Check Technologies, enabling dozens of businesses and hundreds of operations professionals to build, operate, and scale successful payroll providers.
Summary of Presentation
Payroll Fraud
Introduction & Objectives
Understanding Payroll Fraud
How and When Payroll Fraud Occurs
Safeguarding Your Company from Payroll Fraud
Payroll Fraud Case Study
Resources & Closing
In the spirit of giving, don’t forget yourself! Act NOW!
Become a 2026 NY Metro PAYO Member for ONLY $45!
*The NY Metro APA is autonomous from the National PayrollOrg – which has separate membership fees*
It’s a quick & simple 2 step process, that takes less than 5 minutes.
Make your $45 Payment (via PayPal OR Zelle) by clicking here:
Join or Pay Dues — NY Metro PAYO (apanewyorkmetro.com)
Enter in $45
Complete the 2026 NY Metro Membership Application Form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FRFQSYT
Winter Study Group
f you have made your commitment to become certified in the payroll profession in 2026, you may begin your preparations for the exam. Make certification your goal for 2026. It’s a resolution that is completely obtainable.
10-Week CPP/FPC Study Group
POTENTIAL TO EARN 20 RCHs !!! Cost: $100
>>> WINTER STUDY GROUP <<<
You may already be certified and are seeking an economical way to earn RCHs to retain your certification and keep your payroll knowledge current.
The NY Metro Chapter is here to assist you in preparing for the CPP or FPC exams as well as retaining your certification.
NY Metro’s Board of Directors Study Group Chair & Government Liaison, Christopher Wood crwood3@gmail.com, will facilitate
***IMPORTANT***
The study group serves as a refresher course for those planning to take the test. You will not be taught from scratch
FIRST, Learn the material via self-instruction or attend a course offered by PayrollOrg or a local college
The FPC and CPP handbooks will provide many resources that can be applied to learn the material
After which, the study group meetings can help you focus as your test approaches
The Study group can be utilized as an assessment tool to measure knowledge & timed testing skills
Already certified?
The study group can grant you up to 20 RCHs per year to help maintain your certification
Each 2-hour session attended is worth 2 RCHs
You cannot receive credit for the same 2-hour session in a calendar year (winter & summer)
Check out the PayrollOrg Website here for more information: CPP and FPC Overview | PayrollOrg
Important Study Group Requirements & Information
Date: January 21 - March 25
Duration: 10 weeks
Virtual Meeting: Weekly on Wednesdays
Time: 6 pm - 8 pm
Online (You will be provided with Login Instructions 1 week before classes begin)
Exam Dates
The SPRING exam registration window will be open from November 10, 2025, through April 17, 2026. Candidates will sit for the exam from January 5 through April 18, 2026. The exam will feature questions based on federal laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2025.
Schedule your exam through your online Certification Dashboard.
The FALL exam registration window will be open July 1, 2026, through October 2, 2026. Candidates will sit for the exam from September 5 through October 3, 2026. The exam will feature questions based on federal laws and regulations in effect as of January 1, 2026.
North America residents can now register and take their exam from the comfort of their home or office using OnVUE, PearsonVUE's online proctoring exam delivery system! North American residents can now register and take their exam from the comfort of their home or office using OnVUE, Pearson VUE's online proctoring exam delivery system.
The exam is offered in North America during the following windows:
Spring 2026
Registration: November 10, 2025 - April 17, 2026
Exam: January 5 - April 18, 2026Fall 2026
Registration: July 1 - October 2, 2026
Exam: September 5 - October 3, 2026.For information on taking the exam at the Learning Center in Las Vegas, internationally, and on military bases, review the Candidate Handbook.
Mid-year legislative and regulatory changes are NOT reflected on that year’s exam.REGISTRATION - NOW OPEN
Holiday Lunch & Learn -Employment Tax Aspects of OBBBA ~ One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The Holidays are upon on us! Give yourself the BEST Gift!
AND Please feel free to share this invite with your friends and family!!
Join your NY Metro PAYO Framily to celebrate,
Learn & Earn 2 RCH’s! We want to see YOU!!
RSVP BY FRIDAY NOVEMBER 21st !!!
DATE: Join us on Thursday December 4th, 2025, for a Lunch & Learn
TIME: From 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM EST
WHERE: IN PERSON – ACT NOW! SPACE IS LIMITED!
PLEASE BRING PHOTO ID!!
Robert Half International – 125 Park Avenue – 3rd Floor, NY, NY 10017
RHI’s entrance is centrally located on 42nd Street directly across from Grand Central!
OR
VIRTUAL – zoom invite sent prior to event to those who pay/RSVP
SPEAKER: Jeffrey Hoberman, Senior Manager, Tax Services RSM US LLP
Lorraine Bodden, RSM US LLP
TOPIC: Employment Tax Aspects of OBBBA ~ One Big Beautiful Bill Act
AGENDA -
12:00 – 1:00 pm In Person Lunch – Virtual Lobby meet & greet
1:00 – 2:30 pm Speaker Presentation
2:30 – 3:00 pm Q & A
Step 1, RSVP via survey monkey:
RSVP: By Friday November 21st ! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KLZL5QN
Step 2, make payment:
MEMBER COST: In Person $55, Virtual $25 >>> MAKE PAYMENT HERE <<<
NON-MEMBER COST: In Person $70,Virtual $35 >>> MAKE PAYMENT HERE <<<
Summary of Presentation
OBBBA, or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is a hypothetical piece of legislation that introduces significant tax changes, such as making the Child Tax Credit permanent and increasing the standard deduction, while also creating new savings vehicles like Trump Accounts. Key impacts include a higher State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap for some taxpayers, increased funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and new workforce development programs. The act is presented as a way to avoid the tax system reverting to its 2017 rules and introduces numerous other provisions affecting individuals, businesses, and healthcare.
Key Provisions and Impacts
Tax Changes for Individuals:
Permanent Tax Brackets and Standard Deduction: OBBBA makes the tax brackets permanent and increases the standard deduction for 2025.
Child Tax Credit: The Child Tax Credit is made permanent and increased to $2,200 per child, though the refundable portion isn't changed.
Trump Accounts: The act introduces a new savings account for eligible families, offering a $1,000 baby bonus for children born in the next four years.
SALT Cap: The SALT deduction cap is raised to $40,000 for certain taxpayers from 2025-2029.
Senior Deduction: A deduction for seniors over 65 is introduced for taxable years 2025-2028.
Employer-Paid Moving Expenses: The tax-free benefit for employer-paid moving expenses is permanently eliminated for most taxpayers.
Auto Loan Interest Deduction: A deduction is allowed for interest paid on loans for U.S.-assembled vehicles.
Business and Workforce Changes:
Employer-Provided Student Loans: The exclusion for up to $5,250 in employer-provided student loan repayment assistance is made permanent.
Workforce Pell Grant Program: This new program expands the Department of Labor's role in overseeing short-term career training initiatives.
Other Changes:
ICE Funding: The act significantly increases funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Medicare: A temporary 2.5% increase to the Medicare physician fee schedule is included for 2026.
Clean Energy: Some EV and clean energy tax credits are set to expire under the act.
NPW - Session 3
WHEN:
Wed - 9/10/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Thurs - 9/11/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Fri - 9/12/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
RCH: 2 RCH per day/session – total 6 RCHs for 3 days
VENUE: For those who RSVP/Pay, a Private Zoom Meeting Invite will be emailed
RSVP/Pay: Two Simple steps: RSVP DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 9/4/25
Step 1 reply: >>> SurveyMonkey <<<
Step 2: Make payment: >>> Make Payment <<< SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS BELOW
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Option 1: Nonmember $25 per session ($25 - $75)
Option 2: Nonmember Special $60 for all sessions
Option 3: Member-only Special $20 for all sessions
NPW - Session 2
WHEN:
Wed - 9/10/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Thurs - 9/11/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Fri - 9/12/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
RCH: 2 RCH per day/session – total 6 RCHs for 3 days
VENUE: For those who RSVP/Pay, a Private Zoom Meeting Invite will be emailed
RSVP/Pay: Two Simple steps: RSVP DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 9/4/25
Step 1 reply: >>> SurveyMonkey <<<
Step 2: Make payment: >>> Make Payment <<< SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS BELOW
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Option 1: Nonmember $25 per session ($25 - $75)
Option 2: Nonmember Special $60 for all sessions
Option 3: Member-only Special $20 for all sessions
NPW - Session 1
WHEN:
Wed - 9/10/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Thurs - 9/11/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
Fri - 9/12/25: 12:00 Noon to 2 PM EST
RCH: 2 RCH per day/session – total 6 RCHs for 3 days
VENUE: For those who RSVP/Pay, a Private Zoom Meeting Invite will be emailed
RSVP/Pay: Two Simple steps: RSVP DEADLINE IS THURSDAY 9/4/25
Step 1 reply: >>> SurveyMonkey <<<
Step 2: Make payment: >>> Make Payment <<< SEE PAYMENT OPTIONS BELOW
PAYMENT OPTIONS:
Option 1: Nonmember $25 per session ($25 - $75)
Option 2: Nonmember Special $60 for all sessions
Option 3: Member-only Special $20 for all sessions