If you’ve worked with Focus HR over the past year, you may have noticed something: we quietly became part of a much bigger team. In August 2025, Focus HR officially joined OneDigital, one of the country’s leading PEO, insurance, and HR consulting firms. We’ve combined our dedicated, personalised service with the resources of a national platform. […]
Focus HR Joins OneDigital: What This Partnership Means for You Read More »
Updated July 2026 Arizona employers must collect seven forms and complete several compliance actions for every new hire — including Form I-9, E-Verify verification, new hire reporting, federal and state withholding forms, a health coverage notice, and relevant benefit enrollment documents. Requirements have changed since 2023. Most notably, Arizona expanded its E-Verify obligations as of
Arizona New Hire Forms Checklist: 7 Things Employers Must Collect in 2026 Read More »
Combining accounting and HR into a single role can quietly cost a small business far more than the salary it saves. The most common hidden costs are compliance errors from a lack of specialization, conflicts of interest between cost control and employee advocacy, burnout from peak-season overload, and increased exposure to fraud when one person
The Hidden Costs of Combining Accounting & HR Functions Read More »
Originally published March 2025 · Updated June 2026 What drives high-performing teams? Technical skill and experience matter, but a growing body of research — from Google’s landmark Project Aristotle study to the latest 2026 Gallup engagement data — points to one factor above all: psychological safety. When employees feel safe to speak up, challenge ideas
The Hidden Cost of Silence: Why Psychological Safety is the Key to High-Performing Teams Read More »
For most small-business owners, being the person with all the answers is a point of pride and brings a sense of control. But if you are planning to sell or transition your business in the next few years, being the person with all the answers isn’t a strength. It’s actually a large liability. We are
Selling Soon? Why Your HR Setup Could Make or Break the Deal Read More »
If you asked a business owner what drives the valuation of their company, they would likely point to revenue, profit margins, intellectual property, or customer retention. Very few would point to their HR files. But when it comes time to sell, finance, insure, or defend your business, your HR house is often the difference between
How to Professionalize Your Business: Why Your HR House is the Key to Enterprise Value Read More »
There is a dangerous trend quietly taking hold in small and mid-sized businesses right now. In an effort to cut costs and maximize efficiency, companies are increasingly eliminating entry-level roles, leaning on AI to handle foundational tasks, and relying entirely on the external market to hire experienced talent only when a specific need arises. On
The Broken Talent Pipeline: Why Buying Talent Is Failing Small Businesses Read More »
If you ask ten different business owners what “Human Resources” means, you’ll likely get ten different answers. To some, it’s the department that processes payroll and hands out the employee handbook. To others, it’s the strategic engine that develops leaders, manages talent, and drives business performance. The truth is, HR is both. And that is
Compliance Is Crowding Out Your HR Strategy. Here’s the Fix. Read More »
In today’s fiercely competitive job market, attracting and retaining top-tier talent is arguably the single biggest challenge keeping small business owners awake at night. You know you can’t always match the brand recognition or big budgets of a large corporation, but that doesn’t mean you have to lose the war for talent. Leveraging my background
David vs. Goliath: How a Modern HR Strategy Helps Small Businesses Win Top Talent Read More »
As mid-market companies scale, the complexity of human resources inevitably outpaces the capability of a generalist internal team. Leaders frequently accept the administrative heavy lifting of HR as a fixed operational cost. This is a costly miscalculation. The reality is that keeping full-cycle HR inside your four walls can be a misuse of capital and
Rethinking Internal HR Departments: A Strategic Alternative for Growing Companies Read More »
Mid-sized businesses sit in one of the toughest spots in the U.S. economy:Too big to be nimble. Too small to have enterprise-level resources. Between the pressure to adopt AI, the complexity of compliance, and the relentless demand for higher wages, the barrier to entry for “next-level growth” has never been higher. But what if you
Enterprise Power on a Mid-Market Budget: How to Win the Talent and Tech War in 2026 Read More »
If the world’s most influential HR organization can be found liable in a discrimination lawsuit, what does that mean for the rest of us? Last month, a juryawarded $11.5 million in damages against SHRM, the Society for Human Resource Management. Yes, SHRM, global authority on HR best practices, compliance, and training. The organization that literally
Even SHRM Got Burned: What the $11.5M Verdict Means for Small Business Owners Read More »
Human Resources Manager
Nitasha joined the Focus HR team in 2016, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge in business and HR Law. She graduated from the Eller College of Management with a business degree and just recently earned a Master’s Degree in Law with a concentration in Human Resources from Regent University. She also has her SPHR and insurance licenses.
She currently serves as a Human Resource Manager at Focus, working directly with clients and employees to navigate any human resource issues they may face.
In her free time, Nitasha loves traveling, hiking, and spending time with her two Goldendoodles.
Payroll Manager
Krista joined the FocusHR team in July 2020 after moving from Pennsylvania to Arizona. She graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Tourism Studies, which landed her a job at one of the top hotel brands, where she started her payroll career. She also has her CPP certification.
As Payroll Manager, Krista keeps her team of payroll specialists up-to-date on all payroll regulations and is always ready to jump in and process payrolls with her team.
In her spare time, she takes trips with her family, roots for the Steelers, or watches Harry Potter.
Benefits Account Executive
Sandy Garcia has been in the business of employee benefits for more than three decades. Everywhere she goes she runs into people she knows, and they go out of their way to stop and say hello.
Sandy’s worked hard to build a stellar reputation. She’s proactive, instead of reactive and she’s dedicated to doing her job right, the first time. Sandy will amaze you with her benefits knowledge but also her computer and crafting skills. If you give Sandy a glue gun, be prepared for a genuine masterpiece.
Sandy is a mother of three, a grandmother, and a parent to fur babies, Karma and Buster. Their names should tell you, she’s seen a thing or two.
Workers Compensation Manager
Brenda joined the Focus HR team in 2022, bringing with her an extensive background in audit, compliance and profit recovery. As Workers Compensation Manager, she advocates on our clients’ behalf to ensure they get the best coverage for the lowest premium and ensure their workers’ compensation claims and administration are handled with ease.
She provides excellent client service and satisfaction, as well as strong mentorship and leadership skills within the Focus HR team. Being goal-oriented, Brenda strives to provide impeccable support and empowering success to all. Her analytical skillset allows for time and cost efficiency with proven results.
When not working, Brenda enjoys watching U of A sports, tending to her koi fish & garden and smothering her family. She loves all things Disney, Marvel and Star Wars. Brenda is an avid reader and cinephile; she loves the experience of a good story.
MBA, SHRM-SCP, Business Development Manager
Clint Parry has a passion for business growth and personal development. In his current role as Business Development Manager for Focus HR, he helps small business owners accelerate their growth through HR outsourcing.
Clint began his career at Xerox Corporation in Tucson, where he helped build Xerox’s document outsourcing practice. Following his time at Xerox, he launched his own business coaching firm, ActionCOACH, where he coached and advised over 300 business owners in Southern Arizona.
Most recently, Clint led strategy and client development for Lapin International, a strategy and leadership consulting firm focused on building purpose-driven companies and leaders in the Fortune 1000 space.
Clint is a past columnist for Inside Tucson Business and the Arizona Daily Star. He was recognized as one of Tucson’s 40 under 40 and holds a Business Degree from BYU and an MBA from the University of Arizona’s Eller School of Business. Clint enjoys hiking, basketball, and golf, among other sports. He and his wife are the proud parents of four children.
PHR, COSM, Senior HR Manager
Diana Abner was drawn to Southern Arizona for its warm climate and picturesque mountains, but it was Indiana where she got sucked into the world of Human Resources.
For more than 25 years, Diana has taken pride in her ‘people position.’ She’s earned her PHR and COSM, she’s a member of National SHRM and SHRM of Greater Tucson, but that hardly covers Diana’s talents and skills in the workplace. *Side note: We think Diana should also be credentialed in the kitchen for her killer Spicy Chocolate Cupcakes!
When Diana isn’t solving client problems, she’s keeping tabs on her adult sons, Garrett and Austin. She’s also an expert at making co-workers smile.
CFO
As a Certified Public Accountant (Arizona) with a Master’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Corporate Financial Management from the University of Akron, Kirk Eickhoff oversees all aspects of the finance and accounting functions at FocusHR, which includes accounting for and reconciling client payroll, retirement accounts, taxes, and benefits as well as internal financial reporting and management. Prior to joining FocusHR, Kirk held executive leadership roles in the aviation industry and has worked as a financial statement auditor. When not safeguarding client assets, Kirk spends his spare time playing guitar, lifting weights, and playing board games with his daughter. Standing at 6’7″ tall, it’s hard to miss Kirk when he’s walking around the office!
PHRi, HRCI-CP, HR Director
Jennifer Hatcher brings a wealth of experience in mergers, acquisitions, and high-growth environments to Focus HR. With over 14 years in the field, she excels at integrating businesses, streamlining HR operations, and driving long-term workforce strategies. As HR Director, she ensures clients receive expert guidance in payroll, benefits, compliance, training, and policy development.
Jennifer holds an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and is currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Capella University. Her approach is rooted in patience, strategic thinking, and a passion for building strong workplace cultures.
Outside of work, Jennifer finds joy in her two sons, Devin and Dominic. She enjoys playing the guitar and piano, staying active, and embracing a healthy lifestyle.
SPHR, Chief Operating Officer
Greg Stutz is the definition of loyalty. He took his first job out of college at Focus HR, Inc. and, at an impressive 6’ 6” tall, has climbed the ladder of success by making landmark decisions with sensible open-mindedness.
Greg graduated from Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona in 2008. With his accounting degree, he has taken Focus HR, Inc. to soaring heights, creating and implementing both long and short-term solutions that net our clients considerable results.
Greg is a proud member of the Men’s Active 20/30 Club. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, and golfing. Greg and his wife, Anna have three sons – Brockett, Axton, and Beckham.
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President & CEO
When Tracy Cole isn’t meeting with Focus clients she’s busy building and nurturing her team of HR crusaders. Focus HR, Inc. is structured around Tracy’s deeply-held principles and follows a strong moral compass. Everything is personal with Tracy, and her mission is to always do the right thing.
Tracy grew up in California, attended UCLA, and became the Chief Financial Officer at a healthcare company. When she found her heart in the Tucson desert, she followed her passion into the world of human resources.
Tracy will tell you, her greatest accomplishment has been raising her daughters, Katie and Allie. She also enjoys breeding and training horses for competitive reining.
