Breaking Up With Your PEO: When It's Time and What's Next

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Session Description

Is your organization outgrowing its PEO relationship? While Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) can provide valuable support in early stages, many companies reach a point where rising costs, limited control, and operational complexity signal it’s time to transition. In this practical and engaging session, Debi Chernak (HR Cert Prep Pros) and Sasha Price (Paylocity) walk through the full lifecycle of the PEO experience—from why companies join, to recognizing red flags, to executing a successful exit. Through real-world insights and a client “breakup story,” attendees will gain a clear roadmap for evaluating PEO fit, mitigating risks, and building a scalable HR, payroll, and benefits infrastructure post-transition.

Whether you’re currently with a PEO or considering one, this session equips HR leaders with the strategic and operational knowledge to make informed, business-aligned decisions.

Learning Objectives: 

• Identify key indicators that a PEO relationship no longer aligns with organizational growth, cost, or control needs
• Evaluate the risks, timing, and internal readiness required to successfully transition away from a PEO
• Outline the essential components of a post-PEO HR infrastructure, including payroll, benefits, and compliance systems
• Develop a high-level transition plan, including phases, milestones, and stakeholder considerations for an 8–12 week exit

Speakers

Debi Chernak, SPRH, GPHR, SHRM-SCP

Debi is the Founder and CEO of HR Cert Prep Pros and HRCPP Consulting Group. She is a senior Human Resources executive, consultant, and educator with more than 30 years of experience supporting start-up, growth, and complex organizations through periods of transformation and scale, and more than 20 years supporting HR professionals advance their careers through HRCI & SHRM certification, career coaching and mentoring, connection and community. 

Debi's executive HR leadership and advisory roles have included: Chief Human Resources Officer for Intrado, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Catalyze LLC, Vice President of Human Resources for IntelePeer, Founder and Principal of Denver Executive Consultants, Sr. Human Resources Consultant with Summit HR Solutions, Director of HR & Employee Engagement for Unisyn Medical Technologies, Director of HR for Aztek Networks, and co-founder and VP, HR & Admin for Live Wire Networks.

More than 2,500 HR professionals—from early-career practitioners to senior executives—have attended her HR certification prep programs through HR Cert Prep Pros and academic partners including the University of Denver, Colorado State University, and Regis University. 

In addition to her executive and teaching roles, Debi has served as Adjunct Faculty for the University of Denver’s Strategic HR Master’s Degree program and has held leadership and volunteer roles with professional and community organizations, including Mile High SHRM, the Boulder Area HR Association, Conifer Community Park at Beaver Ranch, and Evergreen Animal Protective League.

Debi graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, Marketing, and Organizational Behavior from Loyola University Maryland and holds a Master of Education in Organizational Performance and Change from Colorado State University. She has earned her aPHR, PHR, PHRca, SPHR, SPHRi, and GPHR certifications through HRCI and both the CP and SCP certifications through SHRM.

Debi lives in Evergreen, Colorado with her three Siberian huskies and enjoys hiking, travel, reading, time with family and friends, and cheering on the Broncos!

Sasha Price

Sasha Price is a Senior Account Executive with Paylocity, bringing nearly a decade of experience in the human capital management (HCM) space. Since her start in the industry in 2016, she has built a reputation in helping organizations streamline operations, elevate the employee experience, and make more strategic workforce decisions.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Sasha has called Colorado home for the past 11 years and currently resides in Erie.

PENDING APPROVAL FOR 1 SHRM CREDIT
FREE for Members; $25 for Non-Members