October 2026
CPO Connect — October 2026
PayrollOrg Staff │ October 9, 2026
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Step into the future of strategic payroll leadership with “CPO Connect,” a new section in CPO Magazine that provides a brief synopsis of a C-suite-level payroll leader. Find quotes on their perspectives of why payroll is a strategic function and learn more in articles, videos, and podcasts.
Title: Partner, U.S.A.
Company: Payrollminds
Payrollminds is a global payroll consulting organization headquartered in the Netherlands, with operations in the United States and across Europe and Asia. Its international team of more than 65 consultants helps organizations assess, design, transform, implement, stabilize, and operate complex multi-country payroll environments. Learn more at https://payrollminds.com/.
Summary: Rubiano leads Payrollminds’ U.S. practice and advises organizations on global payroll strategy, transformation, operating models, governance, vendor management, and operational resilience. With close to 20 years of international payroll experience, she leads strategic client engagements, develops consulting talent, and helps multinational organizations build scalable payroll capabilities across the United States and global markets.
“Payroll is not simply an administrative function; it is critical business infrastructure. When payroll works well, it strengthens employee trust, protects the organization, and enables the business to grow with confidence.
Great payroll starts with taking care of the people behind it. ‘Mind. Body. Payroll,’ reminds us that our mental and physical well-being are just as important as the work we deliver. When payroll professionals feel supported, healthy, and valued, they are better equipped to care for employees, strengthen trust, and lead the future of our profession.
The future of payroll will be more automated, connected, and insight-driven, but also more human. As technology takes on more transactional work, payroll professionals will have an even greater opportunity to become strategic advisors, employee advocates, and trusted partners to the business.”
Honors and Awards:
2019 recipient of PayrollOrg’s Global Vision Award
For More Information:
"PayTalk" Podcast®: "How Payroll Is a Strategic Powerhouse in the Age of Automation," July 2026
“Workshop Spotlights Cultural Impacts of Global Payroll,” Congress Today, May 2026
“How AI is Influencing Global Payroll Change,” Payrollminds, July 2025
Title: Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Company: PenSoft
Peninsula Software of Virginia, Inc. (PenSoft) manufactures payroll and tax software designed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses and payroll service providers. PenSoft supports thousands of clients with a highly trained staff of degreed accountants, computer programmers, program support consultants, and business experts. Learn more at https://www.pensoft.com.
Summary: Salavejus has more than 35 years of experience in payroll and accounting. A recognized leader in the payroll profession, she is an active volunteer with PayrollOrg (formerly the American Payroll Association) where she serves as a Director. She is also actively involved with the Virginia Statewide Payroll Conference, where she has served in multiple leadership roles. She is a frequent speaker on payroll compliance, leadership, and emerging technologies.
“Payroll holds the largest source of workforce data in the organization. When partnered with other departments, such as HR and finance, it provides insight into financially sound decisions, reduces risk, and helps achieve the organization’s goals.
For example, the data in payroll can identify pay inequities and support an organization's workforce investment initiative.”
Honors and Awards:
2017 Payroll Woman of the Year
2016 recipient of PayrollOrg’s Special Recognition Award
2013 recipient of PayrollOrg’s Meritorious Service Award
For More Information:
Meet Stephanie Salavejus, CPP, VP & COO at Pensoft, CPO Magazine, July 2026
“How Data Cleansing Protects Sensitive Information,” PAYTECH, June 2025
“Protecting Your Professional Reputation From Fraud,” PAYTECH, December 2024
Title: Executive Community Lead
Company: HR.com
HR.com helps human resources (HR) professionals advance, build meaningful careers, and find solutions to enhance their job performance. It delivers learning products, webcasts, events, monthly HR-themed magazines, and research through the HR Research Institute. Learn more at https://www.hr.com.
Summary: Skinner is a subject matter expert in human capital management (HCM). As executive community leader for the “Future of Payroll and Workforce Management (WFM)” online community, he acts as HR.com’s industry analyst, covering payroll, human resources information system (HRIS), and WFM. He also hosts a related podcast with HR.com and helps lead HR.com's Future of Payroll advisory board to actively work with thought leaders to establish standards, relevant research topics, common metrics, and education. Previously, Skinner was the lead HCM industry analyst at 3Sixty Insights and Nucleus Research.
“Payroll data is one of the most complete and reliable datasets in the organization. It reflects who is being paid, where, how much, and under what conditions.
When integrated properly, it can inform decisions around workforce planning, cost management, and geographic expansion. For example, payroll data can highlight labor cost trends, overtime patterns, and compliance risks that directly impact financial performance. It also provides insight into employee behavior, such as turnover signals tied to compensation.
The key is moving from reporting to insight. Payroll leaders must champion the connecting of payroll data with other business systems to create a holistic view of the information. When that happens, payroll becomes a source of truth for strategic decision-making.”
For More Information:
Meet Brent Skinner, Executive Community Lead, HR.com, CPO Magazine, April 2026
“Workshop Explores the Value of Payroll in the Workplace,” Congress Today, May 2026
"PayTalk" Podcast®: "Should AI Ever Run Payroll? The Industry’s Newest Fault Line," June 2026