What My ESAC Board Appointment Means for Landrum and Our Clients

I am honored to share that I have been elected to serve as an Industry Director on the national Board of Directors for the Employer Services Assurance Corporation, or ESAC. What makes the opportunity especially meaningful to me is what ESAC represents for our industry and for the businesses that place their trust in Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs).

When a company chooses Landrum as its PEO partner, it is trusting us with responsibilities that impact its people every day, from HR compliance and advice to payroll and payroll taxes, employee benefits, and workers’ compensation. We know that behind every payroll, benefits decision or HR question is an employee, and ultimately the workforce our client depends on to operate and grow its business. That is a responsibility we take very seriously, and one I believe should come with a high standard of accountability.

ESAC accreditation provides that accountability by independently verifying that accredited PEOs meet rigorous standards for financial stability, ethical business conduct, operational reliability, and regulatory compliance. Accreditation is voluntary, which makes commitment particularly meaningful. An accredited PEO is choosing additional scrutiny because it believes clients deserve independent assurance that the organization entrusted with these responsibilities is operating the right way.

That philosophy is consistent with how Landrum has approached our business for more than 55 years. Doing the right thing requires more than saying the right things. It means holding yourself accountable to high standards and being willing to have those standards independently verified.

Our longevity in the PEO industry also gives us a responsibility to contribute to its future. Landrum has long participated in organizations that strengthen our profession, engaging with regulators and industry leaders, sharing what we have learned and continuing to learn from others. Serving on the ESAC Board is another opportunity to contribute to that work, and I am looking forward to serving alongside leaders who share a commitment to maintaining trust and high standards across our industry.

While this appointment is specifically connected to our PEO business, that same commitment extends across Landrum. Today, we serve organizations across the country through PEO and employer services, staffing, recruiting and HR consulting. The right solution looks different for every organization, but the responsibility we feel to our clients does not.

That is ultimately why I believe accreditation should matter to businesses evaluating a PEO. Beyond services and cost, companies should understand the standards behind the organization they are trusting. How is the PEO held accountable? Are its financial, operational, and compliance practices independently verified? And what is that organization doing to strengthen the industry it represents?

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the ESAC Board and excited to contribute to the work ahead. For me, it is an opportunity to help shape the future of an industry that has been an important part of Landrum’s history while continuing to raise the bar for the businesses and people we serve.