5 Things You Didn’t Know About…

In this new monthly article, you'll meet the individuals that make up the California Employers Association team. Let's start with Sarah Hayden, CEA Board Chair for 2022-2023 and VP of Risk Management at PrideStaff and Kim Gusman, President and CEO of CEA.

Sarah Hayden, CEA Board Chair 2022-2023, PrideStaff
A few fun facts about Sarah: At the top of her bucket list is to take her daughters to a Taylor Swift concert, and if she wasn't working at PrideStaff she would be doing lots of writing!

1. What do you enjoy most about serving on the board?

I really enjoy having a front-row seat to CEA's growth and success! Watching the organization navigate so many changes over the past two decades, and still stay relevant and engaged with members, has been inspiring.

2. What has been most valuable for you as a CEA Board Member?

I've appreciated the opportunities to see all aspects of how successful business functions and to support the leadership team in setting and achieving organizational goals.

3. What's one of your favorite quotes or mantras you consider "words to live by"?

"Onward and upward" is a favorite motto we use at PrideStaff. It reminds me to keep going and keep my head up on challenging days.

4. Tell us about your role/business.

PrideStaff is a national, franchised temporary staffing company based in Fresno, CA.  We do temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct placements and "The PrideStaff Companies" also includes 4 specialty divisions.  In my role as VP of Risk Management, I lead a team who are responsible for ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal laws and handling all legal, HR, and safety issues.  Our mission is to "consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most."

5. What are your top three priorities for your business in 2023?

1. Sales and business growth
2. Developing my leaders
3. Improving our internal processes and resources

Kim Gusman, President & CEO, CEA

Kim was born in San Diego and spent the first 12 years of her life in Southern CA. In her teens and 20's she lived in Oregon and Washington, and in her 30's she moved to Northern CA. Long before her role at CEA, her first job was at Dairy Queen. She is an avid reader and loves to read historical fiction. She is intensely competitive when playing card games, golf, and ping pong. What’s at the top of her bucket list? A trip to Italy with her husband, more specifically visiting the Amalfi Coast!

1. How long have you been with CEA?

20 years

2. What has been your favorite project at CEA so far?

I am grateful to have the privilege of working with an amazing team of professionals to provide employers all over California with Peace of Mind when it comes to HR Compliance.

3. When you are at work, how do you motivate yourself?

Variety is the spice of life at home and at work! I like to try new ideas, collaborate with others for new perspectives and push myself out of my comfort zone to grow and learn!

4. What’s your toughest challenge doing your job?

Balance. I am a servant leader to three customers—my team, our members, and the CEA Board of Directors. Each customer has different needs and wants, but we all have the same mission—Peace of Mind for California Employers when it comes to HR compliance.

5. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career?

Always take time to celebrate the victories as they occur, no matter how small. Always take time to give credit to others.