OKLAHOMA CITY (Nov. 15, 2019) — Five exceptional Paycom employees were included in ionOklahoma magazine’s NextGen Under 30 class for 2019. Elysabeth Casiano, senior motion graphic designer was selected for the Media, Public Relations, Marketing and Advertising category; Melanie Mahaffey, product manager, Jacob Stover, tax team leader, Sara Shidell, new client setup team leader and Candace Vela, best practice supervisor, were selected in the Science, Technology and Engineering category. The ninth annual NextGen Under 30 program awarded 338 outstanding young Oklahomans from nearly 1,000 applicants in 17 career categories. The individuals are recognized for demonstrating talent, drive and service to their communities.
“I am grateful for the contributions these five individuals make not only in their work at Paycom but also in the wider community,” said AJ Griffin, Director of Government and Community Affairs at Paycom. “Individuals like these five inspire the next generation of leaders in the workplace.”
NextGen Under 30’s mission is to identify and honor talented young Oklahomans as a way of encouraging them to follow their lifetime career goals in Oklahoma. Casiano, Mahaffey, Stover, Shidell and Vela will be honored on Nov. 15 at the 2019 NextGen Under 30 awards dinner and ceremony at the Embassy Suites & Conference Center in Norman.
Elysabeth Casiano, Senior Motion Graphic Designer
As a senior motion graphic designer, Elysa creates animations for innovative videos throughout Paycom. Some of her role is to project manage and assist leadership with communication and daily tasks. Elysa has completed ATD’s training certification, and Paycom’s Emerging Leaders Program. Elysa is part of AD Club representing Paycom. She has also won two Addy’s in her two years here at Paycom. Outside of the office, she has volunteered at 2013 Moore tornado relief, Habitat for Humanity, and Dealing for Dreams that raises money for Make a Wish Foundation. In 2016, she graduated from The University of Oklahoma with her bachelor’s degree in Creative Media Production. During her time at the university, she won a student Addy, two OBEA awards, and was a student Heartland Emmy Nominee for sex-trafficking PSA’s creating during that time.
Melanie Mahaffey, Product Manager
I am a Product Manager for Paycom where I collaborate with Paycom software engineers to deliver new features and enhancements to meet client needs and drive usage and retention. I am also an active member for Frontline Church in Downtown OKC where I assist with the community outreach programs in the inner city. I also volunteer at the Central Oklahoma Humane Society and participate in the annual Goodwill drives and Salvation Army fundraisers. I graduated from Oklahoma Christian University in 2014 with a master degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership and Organizational Development.
Jacob Stover, Tax Team Leader
I lead a team of 10 Specialists who are directly impacting new clients. We call and verify the tax information that the client has given to NCS and the TSRs is accurate so that way their first payroll is “perfect”. I graduated from Oklahoma City University in July 2019 with a liberal arts degree and am continuing at OCU for my MBA (currently in classes). I volunteer with Feed the Children and the OK Regional Food Bank with Tax.
Sara Shidell, New Client Setup Team Leader
As a New Client Setup Team Leader, Sara manages a team of specialist who are responsible for converting new clients from their previous payroll, time management, and human capital management providers to Paycom. She is also involved with Paycom’s LEAD program, is on the corporate rowing team and plans the outreach events for the NCS department. As graduate of Oklahoma State University, Sara earned her bachelor’s degree in International Business in 2012 and her Master’s in Business Administration in 2015.
Outside of the office, Sara serves on the Young Professionals Board for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and was awarded the Tomorrow Leaders award for the Oklahoma City Chapter for 2019, is a member of the Junior League of Oklahoma City where she serves as a mentor for provisional members and volunteers with the Single Parent Support Network, and serves as the advisor for the Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity Chapter at OSU.
Candace Vela, Best Practice Supervisor
As a best practice supervisor for Paycom, Vela manages a team of Best Practice Professionals who travel onsite with Paycom’s largest accounts to deliver strategies and solutions to clients to ensure they are getting the biggest return on their investment. The department has also lead the company in driving usage, employee engagement, and overall client retention. In addition to her role at Paycom, Vela is an active volunteer with Oklahoma City’s Junior Achievement to help young students prepare for the professional world and inspire future entrepreneurs. Vela graduated from Oklahoma State University in 2013 with a degree in Business Economics and Quantitative Studies.