The Alcott Group’s Athena People Earns Prestigious Certified Payroll Professional Designation

The Alcott Group (Farmingdale, NY and Buffalo, NY), one of New York State's most prominent Professional Employer Organizations (PEO), announced that its Payroll Manager Athena People has earned the prestigious Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation which is awarded by the American Payroll Association (San Antonio, TX). To gain the CPP credential, Ms. People had to successfully pass a comprehensive four-hour examination.

In a letter to The Alcott Group announcing Ms. People's new designation, American Payroll Association Executive Director Dan Maddux wrote, "Attaining the CPP designation is a significant achievement. Countless changes in legislation and government regulations on the federal, state, and local levels have dramatically increased the demands placed on the Payroll Professional.  Athena has demonstrated proficiency in all facets of payroll operations, including taxation, compliance, payroll systems, accounting and management."

Since joining The Alcott Group in 2000, Ms. People has made a significant contribution to the company's continued growth, expansion and market stature. As Alcott's primary liaison between its Payroll and Human Resources Departments and that of its 250 affiliated companies, Ms. People has full responsibility for ensuring the accuracy of all information and efficient distribution of payroll to some 4500 employees throughout New York State. Her role also encompasses visiting Alcott's clients, advising them on how the payroll is processed, addressing any of their specific questions and generally demonstrating service quality.

In addition to her affiliation with the American Payroll Association, Ms. People is a member of the Society of Human Resource Managers.

Ms. People holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from St. Joseph's College where she was on the St. Joseph's Dean's List and the National Dean's List. She also has completed Professional Certification courses at St. Joseph's in Leadership Supervision and Management. Currently, she is pursuing an Executive MBA and Masters in Human Resources at St. Joseph's.

In 2007, Ms. People was named to the Long Island Business News' "40 Under 40" award winner recognizing her professional achievements and contributions to the community. Specifically, she is a dedicated member of the Arthritis Foundation, Long Island Chapter and a Team Captain for its Annual Walk. Additionally, she is an active member of the United Council of Negro Women, as well as a strong supporter of the Larry and Frances Jones "Feed the Children" Foundation. Formerly, she was very involved in her son's school, serving as a member of the Sachem East High School Football Team's Touchdown Club and PTA, Brentwood PTA and Marching Band Members Parent Association. Her son has since graduated from Sachem East and attends Utica College as a Business Major and offensive lineman on the Utica Varsity and Jr. Varsity football teams.

Ms. People resides in Brentwood, NY.