Tandem HR: names Tara Conger as CEO

MADISON – Tandem HR, a top professional employer organization (PEO) that provides a full range of HR and employment services, has named Tara Conger as its CEO.

Conger, a 17-year veteran in the HR industry, served as Tandem HR’s president for the past two years, leading the firm through multiple strategic changes that spurred unprecedented improvements in customer service, client retention, and company culture.

“In just two years, Tara has transformed Tandem HR into an organization that consistently upholds its values, providing clients unparalleled customer service, HR expertise, and cutting-edge technology. This ensures clients have the peace of mind they seek when choosing a PEO partner,” said Ryan Kelley, founding partner of Shore Capital, Tandem HR’s parent company. “She has an uncanny ability to build exceptional teams that consistently deliver outstanding results for our clients.”

Conger, who lives in Waunakee and is based in Tandem’s Madison office , credits her time in the sports industry for her passion to build high-performing teams committed to Tandem HR’s mission. It’s not only about talent but about finding people who truly care about others – critical in every industry, but especially in HR.

“I’ve gained invaluable insights on crafting exceptional teams, transitioning from the world of sports to the realm of business,” Conger said. “Ultimately, the caliber of individuals drives exceptional outcomes, and we’re witnessing this firsthand at Tandem HR. “

Throughout her tenure as Tandem HR’s president, Conger spearheaded strategic operational enhancements. In addition to aligning personnel with appropriate roles, she fortified Tandem HR’s customer service and technology portfolio. Notably, her initiatives culminated in the organization achieving an exceptional employee engagement score of 88%, a milestone rarely reached in the corporate landscape.

But it wasn’t only internal changes that led to Tandem HR’s rapid progress. Among clients, Tandem HR saw their Net Promoter Score – a metric that evaluates customer engagement and loyalty – increase over 50 points.

In her new role as CEO, Conger’s focus is on growth. Tandem HR, which serves small and medium-sized businesses, will continue to prioritize customer service and HR expertise – two things she said are essential to building new, long-term relationships with clients needing Tandem HR’s services.

Along with serving in her new role as CEO, Conger will continue to shape the PEO industry as a board and executive committee member for the National Association of Professional Employment Organizations (NAPEO). Conger said her involvement with NAPEO has played a significant role in her strategic decision-making at Tandem HR because she can regularly review and dissect industry trends, rules, and regulations that will impact Tandem HR’s clients.

“In HR and the PEO industry, you’re regularly encountering complex challenges and issues that directly impact not only companies but people,” Conger said. “Along with staying in tune with industry shifts, my focus is always on fostering empathy, compassion, and transparency with our employees and clients. When you do that, your organization is going to flourish.”