Joy Nelson

Joy Nelson is a seasoned payroll professional based in Parker, Colorado, with over seven years of experience in payroll management and administration. Currently serving as Payroll Manager at AIR Communities, Joy oversees multi-state payroll processing, ensures compliance with ever-changing regulations, and leads a team dedicated to accuracy, timeliness, and employee satisfaction. Her career began in payroll administration at Sykes Enterprises, and she progressed through roles at Wellbridge and AIR Communities, gaining expertise in payroll taxes, reporting, and operational leadership.

Throughout her career, Joy has emphasized that payroll is more than just numbers—it’s about people, trust, and ensuring that employees feel secure and valued. She is recognized for her precision, patience, and calm under pressure, qualities that allow her to navigate complex payroll processes while maintaining strong relationships with colleagues and employees alike. Joy’s approach highlights the strategic importance of payroll as a high-stakes operational function essential to organizational success.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Joy is passionate about advocating for the recognition and value of payroll professionals. She frequently shares insights on the intricacies of payroll and the skills required to succeed in the field, emphasizing curiosity, resilience, and accountability. Joy is committed to mentoring others in payroll, helping cultivate the next generation of professionals who can handle the precision and responsibility this critical field demands.

• Payroll.org Project Sanctuary