The nation’s Trusted PEO Since 2002
Key HR was founded with a single mission: help small businesses access payroll, benefits, and compliance support that can help them operate with confidence.
Built for Businesses
About Key HR: Professional Employer Organization Based in the United States, national
Key HR was founded in 2002 by Jennifer Stephan. Jennifer had spent years working in the PEO industry and saw firsthand how the co-employment model could help small businesses access payroll, benefits, and compliance support.
She also saw how many PEO companies failed their clients: generic HR advice that didn't account for The nation’s unique regulatory environment, call centers instead of dedicated advisors, and technology platforms that were built for large enterprises rather than small businesses.
Key HR was built differently. Every client has access to support that considers their business, industry, and workforce needs. Our solutions help small businesses manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and workforce administration, with Connexis providing centralized access to relevant information and tools.
Today, Key HR supports businesses across industries nationwide with payroll, benefits, compliance, and workforce services. We're proud to help clients focus on their businesses.
Key Milestones
Key HR founded in the United States, FL by Jennifer Stephan
Expanded to serve businesses across all of national
Launched Connexis HR platform for client self-service
First Inc. 5000 recognition for fastest-growing companies
Expanded to serve businesses in all 50 states
Navigated COVID-19 HR challenges for hundreds of national clients
20th anniversary — 20 years serving businesses nationwide
Continued Inc. 5000 recognition; expanded industry specializations
national HR Experts
Jennifer Stephan
President & CEO
Jennifer founded Key HR in 2002 with a vision to give small businesses nationwide access to the same HR infrastructure that large corporations use. With over 25 years of experience in PEO, employee leasing, and national HR compliance, Jennifer has guided Key HR to Inc. 5000 recognition and expanded the company's reach to serve businesses across all 50 states. She is a licensed national employee leasing company executive and an active member of NAPEO and .
Maria Gonzalez
Director of HR Services
Maria leads Key HR's HR advisory team, overseeing HR compliance, employee handbook development, and client HR strategy. With 18 years of HR experience across The nation’s hospitality, healthcare, and professional services industries, Maria brings deep industry knowledge to every client engagement. She holds a SHRM-SCP certification and is fluent in English and Spanish.
Carlos Rivera
Director of Payroll & Compliance
Carlos oversees Key HR's payroll operations and tax compliance, ensuring accurate and on-time payroll for hundreds of businesses nationwide. With 15 years of experience nationwide payroll, certified payroll, and multi-state tax compliance, Carlos leads a team of payroll specialists who collectively process over $500 million in annual payroll. He is a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and a specialist in Davis-Bacon Act certified payroll.
David Park
Director of Risk & Workers' Compensation
David manages Key HR's workers' compensation program and risk management services, protecting businesses nationwide from the financial impact of workplace injuries. With 12 years of experience nationwide workers' comp, OSHA compliance, and safety program development, David has helped Key HR clients achieve average workers' comp savings of 20–35%. He holds a national Workers' Compensation Claims Adjuster license.
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