CPEhr's Leadership Team is comprised of some of the most accomplished individuals in the Professional Employer and Human Resources Outsourcing industry. Meet our Executive and Management Team and find out what makes CPEhr unique.

Harold Walt, Chief Executive Officer

CPEhr Team member since 1993

Harold Walt, CPA, oversees a multi-million dollar human resources professional employment organization (PEO).  As an officer of CPEhr Inc., Harold is responsible for overseeing financial planning, the budget, capital expenditures and works closely with the legal team to ensure corporate compliance.  Harold has worked in a variety of financial positions that includes Chief Financial Officer, Controller and VP of Finance.

A veteran of CPEhr Inc. since 1993, Harold was been instrumental in the growth and expansion of building CPEhr Inc. from a payroll organization to a full-service “one-stop shop” that offers risk management, workers’ compensation, benefits and human resources services.

Harold attributes the success of CPEhr Inc. to the deep-commitment that is expressed by its talented employees.  He describes CPEhr Inc. as an organization with outstanding professionals who care about the services that they bring to their clients.

Harold holds a bachelor’s in Commerce and Accounting.  He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

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Faith Branvold, President

CPE HR team member from 1994

Faith Branvold oversees the operations of CPE HR.  She works hand in hand with the CEO and the Executive Management team regarding the strategic development and planning for the company.  Faith is a veteran of CPE HR.  During her tenure Faith has directly overseen all aspects of the organization including Benefits, Workers’ Compensation/Risk Management, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing.  Faith has been instrumental in the growth of CPE HR and in the expansion of the products and services that are offered by the organization.

Faith has over 20 years of Client Service, Human Resources and General Management experience.  Prior to joining CPE HR, Faith worked more than eight years for a large law firm based out of Denver, Colorado.  Her positions there included Human Resources Management and Client Financial Services Management capacities.

Faith leads with passion.  She is extremely proud of the commitment and relationships that have evolved between CPE HR and its corporate employees, clients and its client’s employees.  She is adamant that an organizations greatest asset is its human resources, and CPE HR is no exception.  She firmly believes that the right people are not only motivated by compensation, but more importantly by the overall business experience and culture of the organization.   An employee that loves their work and is proud of their company is always more productive, loyal and committed.  Faith is a hands-on leader who enjoys working with all corporate team members as well as the people that run CPE HR’s clients businesses.  Faith fosters an open communication environment.  Many clients’ customer service surveys are done by Faith personally and she always practices an “open-door” policy making her accessible to all members of the organization.

Faith has an AS degree in Business Management and is interested in pursuing a JD in the near future.  She has extensive industry knowledge and education.  She is a member of SHRM (Society of Human Resources Management), PIHRA (Professionals in Human Resources Association) and NAFE (National Association for Female Executives).  When Faith is not working, she enjoys traveling around the world, reading, writing, waterskiing, snowboarding and hiking.

Grace Drulias, Chief Financial Officer

CPEhr team member since 2007

Grace Drulias serves as an officer of CPEhr Inc.  She oversees all aspects of the Finance functions, including corporate reporting, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, bank and tax compliance and accounting and treasury operations. Grace has an extensive financial management background that extends over 30 years.

Prior to joining CPEhr Inc., Grace served as Chief Financial Officer for the Davis Family in the areas of oil & gas production, real estate, gaming, entertainment and the family office.

Her career also extends to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and Stone Gray & Company Certified Public Accountants.

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Christine M. Houser, Vice President of Operations

CPEhr Team member since 1996

Christine Houser serves as an officer of CPE HR, Inc. and works closely with the CEO, President and CFO in leading the business operation.  Christine is responsible for the Operations Division which oversees Information Technology & Telecommunications, Corporate Human Resources/Payroll/Benefits, Facility Management, Office Services, 401K Retirement Plan Compliance and all other internal service unit processes. A veteran of CPEhr since 1996, Christine has been an integral part of the growth and expansion of the organization.

With a decade of PEO knowledge, Christine also brings over 25 years experience with Human Resources and Payroll in executive management/officer level positions with Fortune 500 financial services organizations.  Prior to joining CPEhr, she was an Officer and Director of Corporate Administration for Cardservice International where she managed systems and operations for one the largest credit card processing companies in the nation. Other career highlights include directing the Human Resources Dept. for 20th Century Insurance, a Big-3 multi-line insurer, and 12 years as a Vice President and Officer in the banking industry where she helped found and run a chain of independent banks in the San Fernando Valley.

Christine holds a bachelor’s in Business Administration from California State University, Northridge.  She maintains numerous professional certifications including credentials as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) from the American Payroll Association, Certified Facilities Management Professional (CFMP) and Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification (SPHR).

When Christine is not working, she enjoys traveling and has a great appreciation for the performing arts.

Soley Van Lokeren, Vice President of Business Development

CPEhr Team member since 2002

Soley Van Lokeren oversees the day-to-day management of the sales, marketing and implementation departments for CPEhr Inc.  She is instrumental in the development and execution of new service processes and finding efficient solutions for CPEhr and its clients.  Soley is responsible for contract agreements, service arrangements, the implementation of new clients, and marketing services. 

Soley has over fifteen years of human resources experience.  Prior to joining CPEhr,
she was the owner/operator of S & W Country Diner, a successful family style restaurant in Culver City, California.  She increased annual revenue by 200% in one year and maintained her employee turnover at zero.

Before exercising her entrepreneurial spirit, Soley was the CEO of Enterprise Patrol, Inc. 
As Chief Executive Officer, she led a private security firm of 120 employees in the Southern California market. She developed the human resources department from the ground up, including the implementation of training and development, drug-testing, and safety programs.  In 1996, Soley was a part of spearheading the development of the largest lobbying body for the private security industry in California, the California Association of Licensed Security Agencies, Guards & Associates.

Soley holds a master’s in Business Administration and a bachelor’s of science in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Human Resources from California State University, Northridge.

Soley is an avid runner.  She is passionate about food.  Soley enjoys cooking for family and friends.  She is at her happiest when spending time with her husband and two children.

 

Carl J. Barragato, Vice President of Finance

CPEhr Team member since 2007

Carl J. Barragato oversees a variety of CPEhr financial functions that includes the day-to-day management of general accounting, financial audits, preparing financial statements and ensuring financial compliance.

Carl joined CPEhr in early 2007.  He has over 30 years of diverse finance and accounting experience with privately held healthcare, service/light manufacturing, family based and petroleum businesses. Previously he was Controller for Davis Petroleum Corp. and Davis Companies in Los Angeles. Carl has served as Director of Finance and Regional Controller for three healthcare companies.

Carl has his Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Pace University in New York City.  When Carl is not working, he enjoys watching his daughters play softball and basketball and enjoys relaxing at the beach.

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Gary A. Gagner, Vice President of Payroll Operations

 CPEhr Team member since 2006

Gary A. Gagner is responsible for the overall management of the payroll department.  He oversees the payroll functions, quality process improvements, and instituted customer satisfaction survey programs for 260 CPEhr clients with 8,500 employees.

With over 30 years experience, Gary has an extensive background in the professional employment organization (PEO) industry.  Prior to working at CPEhr, Gary was Vice President/General Manager of Mainstay Business Solutions where he managed an annual operational budget in excess of $2.5 Million.  Gary was responsible for developing the operational infrastructure, internal process controls and client servicing tools that delivered the highest quality of customer service.  In 1997, Gary was instrumental in instituting a PEO operation from the ground-up for Abigail Abbott Staffing Company.  He worked with a co-industry expert to implement payroll operations, human resources services, risk management and safety/loss control.  

In 1994, Gary was Director of operations for Kelly Staff Leasing.  He was responsible for five branch offices throughout California.  At Kelly Staff Leasing, Gary streamlined payroll operations which improved client retention by 20% in two years.

Shameem Sain, Vice President of MIS

CPEhr Team member since 2003

Shameem Sain oversees the Management information System (MIS) department at CPEhr, Inc.  He is responsible for the System architecture, network design and support of the entire network infrastructure.

Shameem has over nine years of experience in Information technology working on project management, systems engineering, architecture, design and support. Prior to joining CPEhr, Shameem held positions in many privately owned technology companies.  Shameem was the Manager for the South West North American (SWNA) Region for Server, Messaging & Collaboration for Walt Disney IT, where he led numerous projects and infrastructure design.
Shameem has a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from the University of the South Pacific in the Fiji Islands.  He is also certified in Microsoft Systems Engineer and Internet (MCSE+I). Shameem periodically takes classes at U.C.L.A. extension to stay current on Information Technology advances, developments or improvements.

Shameem is a technology enthusiast who enjoys playing with the latest gadgets that are out on the market.  When he is not engaged with technology, this dedicated Dodger fan can be found enjoying a game with his family.

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Mitzi Branvold, Director of Client Services

CPEhr Team member since 1995

Mitzi Branvold oversees the human resources management for CPEhr clients.  Mitzi is responsible for legal affairs and compliance, human resources policy development, and account management for over 200 client locations and 10,000 employees.  She manages the team of Human Resources Generalists and Benefits Specialist that are responsible for providing exceptional service to CPEhr clients.  Mitzi has over 20 years of experience in human resources and account management.

Prior to joining CPEhr, Inc. Mitzi was a National Client Account Coordinator for a     
Los Angeles based advertising agency, where she managed over 100 accounts.  Mitzi’s responsibilities were to establish relationships with media outlets, develop marketing collateral and coordinate television advertising.  In 1990, Mitzi worked as an Account Manager of a large communications company in Denver, Colorado.  

Mitzi has enhanced her expertise in human resources through extensive formal training in employee relations and management, conflict resolution, benefit procurement and administration, workers’ compensation claims management, and OSHA compliance.  
Mitzi has attended numerous educational courses provided by the Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

Mitzi is an avid reader.  When she is not working, she enjoys relaxing at the beach with family and friends.  One of her favorite companions is her lovable Pomeranian, Jack.

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Michael Holmes, SPHR, Director of Client Services

CPEhr team member since 2000

Michael Holmes oversees the human resources management for CPEhr clients.  Michael is responsible for systems oversight, benefits procurement, legal affairs and compliance, human resources policy development, implementation and account management for over 200 client locations and 10,000 employees.  Michael manages the team of Human Resources Generalists and Benefits Specialists who are responsible for providing exceptional service to CPEhr clients.  He has an extensive background in developing and implementing behavioral interviewing, customer service and office administration efficiency standards for a various corporations.

Michael has over 20 years of operations and human resources management experience with various industries. Prior to joining CPEhr, Michael worked for such national retailers as J.C. Penney Co. Inc., Target Corporation, and Cost Plus World Market.

Michael holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Health, Planning, and Administration with a minor in Biochemistry from Pennsylvania State University.  He also has his Senior Professional in Human Resources Certification (SPHR) from the Human Resources Certification Institute.  Michael is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA).
In his spare time, Michael enjoys traveling, playing tennis and swimming.  His latest quest is learning Spanish with the dream of retiring overseas.

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Ari Rosenstein, Director of Marketing

CPEhr Team Member since 1994

Ari Rosenstein is responsible for the day-to-day management of public relations, direct and on-line marketing.
Ari joined CPEhr as an outside sales representative, was quickly promoted to manager, and then to Vice President of Sales and Marketing. During his tenure as the Vice President of Sales, CPEhr experienced a sustained growth of approximately 20% per year.

He held this position for six years before moving with his family to Israel. After moving to Israel, Ari’s focus shifted to re-branding the image of CPEhr by marketing the firm as the industry’s leading Human Resources Outsourcing provider. His efforts are now concentrated on increasing CPEhr’s internet and website presence by creating a broad public relations campaign.

Ari holds a bachelor’s of science degree in Speech and Communication from Yeshiva University, New York, and has several years experience in broadcast journalism and video production.

In Ari’s spare time, he enjoys mountain biking, reading, and spending time with his children.

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Walter Robinson, Director Risk Management

 Servicing CPEhr clients since 2004

Walter Robinson supervises the day-to-day management of workers’ compensation insurance, claims management and safety/loss control services for CPEhr’s clients.

Walter has over 25 years of risk management experience.  Prior to working at CPEhr, Walter was Vice President of Risk Management for Pinkerton Security Services Corporation, Hilton Hotels Corporation, Glendale Federal Bank and Norris Industries, Inc.

Walter holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from California State University Los Angeles.  In addition, he has earned the Associate in Risk Management designation from the Insurance Institute of America.   

When Walter is not working, he enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, takes pleasure in traveling, and practicing his golf swing.

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Linda Robinson, Training Manager

CPEhr Team member since 2005

Linda Robinson oversees the entire training program for CPEhr clients.  She is responsible for leading all CPEhr training efforts from development to implementation.  Linda facilitates executive-level seminars providing training to over 300 client locations.

Linda has over 25 years combined experience in human resources, personnel management and training and development.    She spent over 10 years teaching meditation techniques, stress management and introduction to parapsychology at for Glendale Community College, Ventura Community College, and The Learning Tree.  Prior to teaching, Linda worked in human resources and training for a variety of industries ranging from hospitality, food and beverage, manufacturing and gaming.

Linda has extensive professional training in human resources and training and development.  She holds numerous certifications as a Human Resources Generalist, Professional in Human Resources, Community Emergency Response Team and Community Disaster Volunteer. She is an active member of the American Society for Training and Development, the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Professionals in Human Resources Association (PIHRA) and Toastmasters.  Linda was recognized in Cambridge’s “Who’s Who” publication for Leaders in their Field.

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