As a leader, Tara Conger is committed to continuous learning—whether it’s understanding new industry regulations, diving into emerging technologies, or discussing forward-thinking strategies with industry leaders. “This learning fuels my own growth and enables me to bring innovative ideas back to my team,” she said.
This learning also fuels her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to operational excellence as the chief executive officer of Tandem HR, a full-service HR company offering outsourced HR or professional employer organization (PEO) solutions to businesses of all sizes since 1998.
“With over 15 years of experience in business services and human resources, Tara has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to turn around struggling organizations and drive exceptional business outcomes,” said her staff.
At Tandem HR, the largest privately owned PEO in the Midwest, Conger spearheaded a comprehensive turnaround strategy that not only doubled the company’s annual revenue from $15 million to $30 million but also significantly improved employee engagement and client satisfaction. Under her leadership, Tandem HR saw its net promoter score soar from -12 to 65 in less than 18 months, a testament to the client-focused culture she instilled.
Conger’s leadership was also instrumental in successfully positioning Tandem HR for sale to a larger private equity firm, achieving a record industry EBITDA multiple. Her ability to execute strategic acquisitions, optimize operations, and lead cultural transformations has consistently added substantial value to the organizations she has led, said her staff.
“What sets Tara apart is her visionary leadership and strategic acumen – she doesn’t just manage; she innovates and drives change,” said her colleagues. “Her ability to align talent strategies with business goals, coupled with her passion for talent development and employee engagement, ensures that the organizations she leads are not just successful but also places where people want to work.”
Outside of the company, Conger has played a significant role within the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), where she serves on the executive committee and chairs the membership committee. Her leadership extends to multiple other committees, including marketing and communications, federal government affairs, and women in NAPEO, where she has helped drive membership growth and engagement initiatives.
At Tandem HR, Conger said she strives to foster a culture of adaptability. “Employees are encouraged to take part in cross-functional projects that broaden their skill sets, preparing them for new roles as the industry shifts,” she said. “Our leadership development programs focus on building resilience, critical thinking and collaboration skills—key traits for navigating the complex challenges of tomorrow’s workplace.”