February Newsletter 
President's Report
Happy 2026 everyone! I hope that you all are staying warm and have been able to dig yourselves out of the snow and ice. If your idea of adventure is driving in the snow, then this weather is for you! If it’s more along the lines of compliance, networking with other Payroll Professionals, or discovering that gem of Payroll Treasure Knowledge you weren’t expecting, then this year at the WMAC is for you!
This year we will be having THREE different contests for our members
1. Golden Ticket – The more you do with the Chapter, the more chances you have to win! Prizes are: One VSPC Registration with up to 2 night hotel stay, and One VSPC Registration. This year the VSPC will be in our own backyard of Falls Church!
2. WMAC Trivia Treasure – Answer trivia questions about the WMAC, Historic DC, and Payroll each month to win a registration to 2027 PayrollOrg’s Virtual Congress
3. Membership Drive – If you get a new member to join, you’ll be entered into a drawing at the end of the year for a Cash Prize! There is also a prize for the most referrals.
For contest details, read further into the Newsletter.
In 2026, as with every year, we renew our commitment to providing quality Payroll Education to our members. If you are looking to maintain your certification, increase your payroll knowledge, or increase your value as a payroll professional, you’ll find it here…..at the WMAC.
Yours in Payroll,
Cristen Yothers
WMAC President
President-Elect's Report
I am honored to take on a new role on the WMAC Board of Directors.
It’s a privilege to serve alongside such a dedicated and knowledgeable board committed to supporting payroll professionals across our region.
The WMAC Board has an exciting year ahead, with many engaging events and educational opportunities planned. From networking and professional development to timely payroll topics, our goal is to continue delivering value to both new and long‑standing members.
A key focus for us this year is growing our membership. We’re eager to welcome new payroll professionals who are looking to expand their knowledge, connect with peers, and get involved in a strong, supportive community.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead and the opportunity to contribute to WMAC’s continued success. If you’re interested in learning more about WMAC or joining us, we’d love to have you.
Kelli Gibson, President - Elect
Spotlight On The Board
2026 WMAC Officers
Cristen Yothers, CPP - President
Kelli Gibson, CPP - President -Elect
Char Hodges, CPP - Treasurer
Carly Lundmark - Secretary
Serving on the Board
Get to know Carly Lundmark, WMAC's New Secretary.
A Message from Carly:
I have been at law firms for over 10 years and payroll for over 3 years. Initially I majored in English, thinking I would spend my life teaching English abroad and writing about my experiences. But the crushing toll of isolation sent me home early from a one year contract and I realized I needed to make a career change.
After months of desperately applying to jobs one day an HR head at a DC lawfirm reached out to me, through Monster of all places, and I stumbled into accounts payable. That I was given such an opportunity after two years teaching English abroad and a little over a year doing data entry for a furniture store was life changing and started with me being the lowest bidder. And oh boy, did I underbid.
In accounts payable, my tendency to be frustrated by redundant tasks lead me down a path of excel skills, which have truly aided me throughout my career. And my tenacity to solve problems instead of just working around them brought me success in accounts payable, leading me onto a senior title. But truly I always longed for the role of payroll. Eventually, years later, after returning from maternity leave I was offered the payroll position as it was recently vacated. I was ecstatic, but I also knew nothing.
So began my attendance at the Washington Metro Area Chapter and my needy, desperate queries at the end of each class. Now admittedly, the controller was informed on laws and regulations and helped guide me into becoming a payroll professional, but still I wanted to know payroll. More than know really, I wanted to be an expert. And so I started attending every available WMAC course I could and finding free opportunities for education, because payroll does not pay well and the cost of taking courses from payroll.org was too steep.
Now 3 years into my career, I am so happy to be joining the board as Secretary. This chapter has helped me learn so much and given me the opportunity to grow professionally at a cost I can afford. Just this year I took a professional step forward from Coordinator to Analyst and WMAC has a lot to do with it. I look forward to paying forward all that WMAC has brought into my life and if you have any excel questions look no further. I’m really good at them. Like obnoxiously good.
Payroll Professional of the Year
A Message From Our Payroll Professional Of The Year
I’m honored and humbled to be named WMAC Payroll Professional of the Year. This recognition means so much—not just to me, but to everyone who’s supported me along the way. Payroll is more than numbers (though I do love numbers!); it’s about taking care of people, and this award reminds me why I’m so passionate about this work.
Thank you to my peers and colleagues for believing in me. I’m excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to serve this profession with dedication and heart.
Denise Rodgers, CPP
Government Liaison Report
Virginia’s Legislative Session and Payroll
With one party running both houses of the legislature and in the governor’s mansion, several payroll-related initiatives are among the plethora of proposals likely to get passed into law this session.
Payroll professionals in Virginia, with a high level of confidence, will soon be implementing some sort of paid leave requirement for workers, or, at least be making sure existing programs are at or more beneficial when comparing to newly-set minimum Virginia thresholds.
Legislation (HB5, SB372) calls for all employers to have a program that accrues one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked. A state-administered paid family and medical leave program also is on the radar for the Commonwealth. Employers and employees would be assessed premiums to fund the program, beginning Jan. 1, 2028 (SB2).
A new millionaire income tax bracket, set to be at a 7.75% rate under one bill (HB1074), 10% under another (HB188), would be created, retroactive to Jan. 1 this year (of course!).
The opposition party also has some proposals that may get enough support to pass. Among those are income tax subtraction allowances to account for the new federal tips and overtime tax benefit.
By March 14, we should know the fate of these and other payroll-related proposals.
Michael Baer, President, Baer Unlimited
WMAC Chapter Contests
Three Contests for 2026!
Golden Ticket – The more you do, the more chances you have to win!
What is Payroll’s Golden Ticket? It is a program where you earn a chance for a drawing that will be held on July 31st.
What is the prize? 2 Winners! The Grand Prize will be a complete 2026 Virginia Statewide Payroll Conference Registration and 2 night hotel stay. The runner up will receive a free registration (only) to the 2026 Virginia Statewide Payroll Conference.
What qualifies to receive a ticket? Each WMAC qualified event that you attend. The following events will receive tickets:
• Chapter Meetings
o February, 2025 – 3 Tickets
o April, 2025 – 3 Tickets
o June, 2025 – 3 Tickets
• Community Outreach Event – 3 Tickets
• Passing the CPP/FPC Exam – 6 Tickets
• CPP/FPC (including Cram/Calc) Facilitators – 4 Tickets
• Workforce Development Class (WDC) – 3 Tickets
• Full Day Classes – 4 Tickets
• Planning Meetings – 4 Tickets
• Call for Volunteers – 4 Tickets
• Approved Social Media Post (Promoting WMAC) – 1 Ticket per post
• Attending the Summer Study Group – 5 Tickets
• Online Donation to 2026 Charity – at every $50 mark, an additional ticket is earned – $1-50 is 1 Ticket, $51-100 is an additional ticket, $101 – 150, is an additional ticket, etc.
How are tickets kept? Tickets are tracked by the chapter. In order for you to receive a ticket(s), you must register online for the event. These are not actual physical tickets.
What if I want to know how many tickets I have? You can send an email to [email protected] requesting your current balance.
How is the drawing administered? On July 31st, we will draw names from ticket submissions of participating members. Keep in mind, the more you participate during the eligibility period (January 1, 2026 – July 2026), the more chances you have to win!
Who is eligible to win? All active WMAC Members, including the Board and Committee Chairs. Tickets can be awarded at each event; however, you have to be an active member as of July 31st in order to include your tickets in the drawing.
Please send any questions to [email protected]
WMAC – “X” Marks the Spot Payroll Trivia Treasure
Starting in February and running until November, we will be sending out monthly Trivia Questions on topics that make us…US. Topics like Payroll, DC History, and the WMAC. There will also be hidden questions in our Newsletters for Extra Points!
The Prize? A FREE REGISTRATION for PayrollOrg’s 2027 Virtual Congress!
Help get more people to join our Organization!
For each new member you get to join the WMAC, you get a $5 coupon to meeting/class registrations. The new member also receives $25 off of one meeting registration to be used in 2026. If this person was a member previously, their membership has to be expired for 3 years (2023). The referring member will also receive an entry into a drawing for a Cash Prize of $200. There will also be a $50 prize for the MOST referrals. This contest opens at the February Chapter Meeting and runs through the last day of National Payroll Week (9/11/2026). The winner will be announced at the December Chapter Meeting. This contest is open to all members of the WMAC.
Community Outreach
We are continuing our Community Outreach with Second Story for 2026. See their Amazon Wish List, a new way for you to support this important organization! Please see their website for the link.
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The 2026 WMAC Charity is Second Story Second Story transforms the lives of children, youth and their families by providing safe havens and opportunities for them to grow and thrive. Their programs provide support at critical turning points in their lives. Second Story for Homeless Youth and Second Story for Young Mothers offer long-term housing as well as life skills support, counseling, and assistance with basic needs. Second Story for Teens in Crisis provides a short-term place to stay for youth in crisis, plus individual and family counseling. Second Story in the Community provides drop-in centers for families and after-school programs for youth who need more support outside their homes; many of them living in communities where human trafficking, violence, and gang activity are prevalent. Though these safe spaces are the first step, they also work closely with youth and families to help them achieve their goals and work toward self-sufficiency, breaking cycles of homelessness, abuse, and poverty. All of their programs are located in Northern Virginia, though depending on the circumstance youth outside of our community can receive support as well. Find out more about Second Story here. Fundraising Goal: For 2026, WMAC has set a fundraising goal of $3000.00 WMAC will match all donations made to Second Story through our website. Click here to be taken to the donations page. Thank you for your continued support of WMAC Charities! |
Career
Are you looking for an opportunity to boost your career? Did you know that the WMAC offers virtual study group classes (begin June 2026) and an in-person Cram for the Exam session (March 2026) to help you achieve your goal of getting your CPP or FPC certification? By achieving this accomplishment, you demonstrate your investment in your career. Your employer and/or future employer will see your initiative and determination to stay current with payroll issues and your expertise in your field.
Virginia Statewide Payroll Conference
2026 Virginia Statewide Payroll Conference Returns to Northern Virginia!
Join Us October 1–2, 2026 at the Fairview Marriott in Falls Church, VA
We are thrilled to announce that the Virginia Statewide Payroll Conference (VSPC) is making its much-anticipated return to Northern Virginia in 2026! Mark your calendars for October 1–2, 2026, as payroll professionals from across the region gather at the beautiful Fairview Marriott in Falls Church, VA for two days of networking, education, and professional growth.
Reserve Your Spot—Early Registration Now Open!
Take advantage of early registration for just $500. Secure your place today and be part of the premier event for payroll professionals in Virginia. Visit https://vspc-apa.com/ to register and learn more about the event schedule, keynote speakers, and session offerings.
Comfortable Accommodations at a Great Rate
Conference attendees can enjoy special room rates of $159 per night (plus taxes) at the Fairview Marriott. This beautiful venue offers outstanding amenities and a convenient location for all our guests.
Parking Made Easy
Complimentary self-parking is available for all attendees, making your arrival and departure hassle-free. Please note that a fee applies for valet parking services.
Let’s Represent WMAC Payroll Professionals!
We’re calling on all WMAC payroll professionals to join us and make a strong showing at this year’s conference. This is your opportunity to connect with peers, expand your knowledge, and contribute to the vibrant payroll community in our region.
Don’t miss out—register early, book your accommodations, and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the 2026 Virginia Statewide Payroll Conference. We can’t wait to see you in Falls Church!
