Meet the National Payroll Institute Board of Directors

Elvira Ciambella, PLP

Chair of the Board

Vice President Implementation and General Manager ADP Quebec | ADP Canada

I'm passionate about payroll because Payroll is the cornerstone of the relationship between employees and a company's leadership, and the fact that the payroll function is evolving to improve healthy and efficient business operations. Businesses need payroll professionals sitting at the table, providing insight into strategic business-related decisions, providing analytics around compensation, around benefits and turnover. With the Great Resignation, employers ask me, “How do I stop this?” I say, “Have you talked to your payroll department? They have metrics on compensation, attrition at the job level, knowledge of new trends, and an understanding of employee progression plans.”

Deborah Scott, PLP, FPC

Vice-Chair of the Board

Manager, Payroll at Canadian Natural Resources Limited

I am passionate about payroll because no two days are the same. I thrive with change in my everyday job and in the industry at large – one reason why I’m a big proponent of digitization.

I passionately believe payroll is not a “back-office job,” but a critical function to successful business. To me, payroll is a specialty field and when done accurately, benefits businesses through increased employee morale, retention and satisfaction.

With over 25 years of industry experience, I hope to support the Institute in the ongoing momentum and progress of the profession and continue to help educate organizations on the vital importance of payroll.

Agnes Teper, PLP, CHPE

Treasurer

Owner, Elevated HR

To me, payroll is exciting. It plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of any business by paying employees on time and maintaining legislative compliance. There’s a common misconception that payroll is merely about processing pay. In reality, it’s so much more. It involves navigating over 200 pieces of legislation, managing complex compliances and safeguarding companies from significant risks. Payroll professionals handle intricate responsibilities that go beyond data entry, requiring specialized knowledge and skills.

I am passionate about advocating for payroll professionals, ensuring they have a seat at the table and a strategic role in business operations. I’m excited to contribute to the profession, support our members, and emphasize their value as key strategic partners.

Brian Burgess, PLP

Past Chair of the Board

Director, Owner, Cycle Business Solutions

What drives my passion for is the impact that professionals have. Payroll is the keystone, the bridge, between the people who run the business and the people who must be paid to keep the business going. Payroll is a front line, not backroom, function that has a direct impact on employee engagement and morale.

Peter Tzanetakis

President and Chief Executive Officer

The National Payroll Institute

One of the reasons I am passionate about payroll is because payroll really matters to working Canadians and their families. Employment letters can be several pages long, but one of the first paragraphs is about how much you're going to be making. Other benefits are important, but at the end of the day, it's about what you're being paid. Payroll typically runs well. But if it doesn't, look out. We see the stories in the media about major errors or a disruption in pay. Right away, it is all over social media as panic settles in from those who continue to live pay-to-pay. “My bank takes the mortgage out today! My kid's school is cashing a cheque today!” This speaks to what the Institute is doing: we're establishing our payroll designation as the gold standard. You would never hire a real estate agent or an insurance agent without a professional designation – why would you mess with payroll?

Kim Beauchamp, PLP

Senior Payroll Manager, Bison Transport Inc.

I'm passionate about payroll because it directly impacts people's livelihood. Knowing that the work we do ensures individuals are paid accurately and on time gives me a strong sense of purpose. With over 30 years of experience in the payroll profession, I've seen the industry evolve in remarkable ways. What was once considered a back-office function has moved to the forefront of organizations. Being part of that evolution and continuing to grow with it fuels my passion.

I joined the Board of Directors to advocate for members. As someone who has benefited from the support and professional development opportunities offered by the National Payroll Institute, I'm committed to giving back. I'm here to represent the voices of our members, champion their needs, and help shape a strong future for our community.

Teresa McCulloch, PLP

Senior Principal Consultant, Cognizant

I began my career in payroll in software and was immediately drawn to how multifaceted the field is. What continues to inspire me is the wide range of opportunities payroll offers — to grow your skills, make a real impact, leverage technology and collaborate across functions. My passion lies in using technology to improve outcomes, build smarter processes, and solve problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

I'm committed to the ongoing evolution of the payroll profession and the role that technology can play in enhancing its future. At the same time, I strongly believe in maintaining the human element to ensure accuracy and trust remain in every pay cycle.

Irene Paul, PLP

Senior Principal Compliance Advisor at UKG

I am passionate about payroll because it truly touches everyone.

Payroll was not necessarily a career I chose, but one that chose me. At a turning point in my life, I was craving a new role that provided structure but still allowed for professional autonomy – payroll was the perfect fit.

I had to learn on the go, and thanks to the National Payroll Institute I was able to earn my designations while working in a totally new role. Thankfully, I love to learn, and I’ve brought that same appetite for education with me throughout my career. I strive to seize all opportunities to teach others about payroll and the impact it truly has on all of us.

Now, after over 20 years in the profession, I am excited to bring my expertise to the Institute’s Board of Directors.

Marty Sokolov, PLP, F. NPI

Senior Customer Success Manager, Workday

What I’ve always loved most about a career in payroll, are the people. Payroll professionals are the true “doers”; they are the salt of the earth, embodying hard work and reliability with unwavering precision and dedication.

Over the years, technology and information accessibility have transformed our profession. The role has become notably more technical, requiring us to embrace technology to elevate the profession. By doing so, we enhance how we are perceived, respected, and compensated.

I am committed to advocating for payroll professionals, ensuring they have a platform to share their voices. My goal is to highlight their unique skill set, dedication, and foster a profound sense of respect and admiration for our profession, both within and beyond our community.

Opal Ritchie, PLP, CHRP

Opal brings a unique perspective to the National Payroll Institute Board of Directors, having built her career alongside the evolution of the payroll profession. Passionate about the impact payroll has on employees, families and communities, she values the opportunity to help people navigate an area that directly affects their lives. With experience spanning manual processes to today’s technology-driven environment, Opal understands both the fundamentals of payroll and the importance of innovation. She is a strong advocate for elevating payroll as a strategic profession and believes payroll professionals should play a greater role in shaping organizational decisions, industry advancement and the future of work.

Selen Evliyaoglu Lee, PLP

Payroll Manager, E-Comm Emergency Communications for British Columbia Inc

Selen Lee brings a people-first perspective and a passion for problem-solving to the National Payroll Institute’s Board of Directors. She is driven by the opportunity to build trust through accurate, reliable payroll processes that support employees and organizations alike. Selen views payroll as a constantly evolving puzzle, balancing legislation, technology, operational needs, and employee expectations to create effective, compliant solutions. A strong advocate for team development and strategic thinking, she believes payroll professionals can drive meaningful business value. Looking ahead, Selen sees the profession evolving into a more strategic role, powered by data, innovation, and artificial intelligence.