February 18, 2010

The Journal RecordA company is defined by it relationship to its clients, and as president and CEO of Accord Human Resources, Dale Hageman makes sure all his employees follow this creed. He consistently pushes himself, and them, to provide the highest level of service for every client."We are passionate about providing the utmost service to enable each client's success," Hageman said. "In every area of our business, from benefits and HR to payroll and risk management, we are devoted to improving their experience as an employer."Through his leadership, Hageman has grown Accord from a small office with only four employees to a thriving multistate organization with more than 500 clients and 10,000 work-site employees. For a record nine consecutive years, the company has been named to the Oklahoma City Chamber's Metro 50 list of the fastest-growing privately held companies. It has also earned distinction as one of Inc. Magazine's 500 Fastest-growing Companies four times.Hageman was one of the pioneers of the professional employer organization (PEO) industry and has been instrumental in developing legislation that protects both employees and employers.As a member of the Oklahoma State Government Affairs Committee and past president and director of the Oklahoma Venture Forum, he lends his 30-plus years of business expertise to help boost economic development and improve employment opportunities and standards across the state.Hageman is especially recognized for his role in shaping industry legislative efforts. His accomplishments include partnering with Oklahoma PEOs and the Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner to draft and lobby for passage of H.B. 2267. Known as the Oklahoma Professional Employer Organization Act, the bill legally defines the rights and responsibilities for the PEOs, client companies and their work-site employees."Dale's leadership style is one that has served him well throughout his career - he challenges each of his employees to be leaders themselves," said Hemanth Parasuram, managing director of Virgo Capital. "In the recent tough market environment, Dale has kept the company focused on what has made Accord successful to date - a relentless emphasis on service."Hageman serves on the board of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations and is chairman of its Healthcare Committee. For nine years, he also served as a board member of the Professional Association of Co-employers. Hageman is a member of the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants and a graduate of Leadership Oklahoma's Class XVII.In addition, Hageman is a board member and executive committee member for the Oklahoma City Public Schools and an Allied Arts board member. Under his leadership, Accord employees developed a community service committee that benefits charities like The Children's Center and the Regional Food Bank. They have also followed his example by mentoring young minds through tutoring students at Oklahoma City's Hawthorne Elementary School."In addition to his industry and legislative efforts, Dale also strongly believes in the responsibility we all have to give back to the community," said Cara Sharp, Accord HR's marketing manager. "Because he fosters his employees' desire to give back to the community, Dale's passion for community service has spread to his staff."