Our Staff

Bryan Dear
Founder and former CPA, Bryan launched the service in Durango at a great time. We started as Dial-A-Check Payroll Service and finally figured out in 1998 that we were indeed The Payroll Department, Inc. Bryan likes to play (it can be tennis, mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, running around in the high country), and be a part of this terrific community. It has been a thrill to see our organization grow and develop.

Mary Wagner
Since 2000, Mary brings her extensive office experience and dedication to doing each job right. Her dedication is only exceeded by her friendly and personal demeanor. Mary was born in Wisconsin, but came to Durango to help her sister build a barn and liked it so much that she eventually chose to settle down here. Mary's hobbies include caring for her llamas and making soap. She has a passion for reading and hiking the backcountry. Mary's goal is to eventually be able to spend more time outdoors and enjoy life.

Tanya Campbell
Tanya has been with us since June 2001. Her leadership skills and accuracy has helped lead The Payroll Department to its success. Her great photography skills have enabled The Payroll Department to have a great collection of company photos. When she is not in the office, she spends a lot of her time out on the softball field, playing for three different teams.

Scott Southworth
Scott is in charge of client development and has been with us since January of 2004. He has lived in Durango for 13 years and has an extensive background in pension and qualified investment plans. His favorite things to do outside of work are riding his mountain bike and reading. He attended Adrian College in Michigan and was All American in Track & Field. Scott is a great listener and if he can help, he will.

Eric Malone
Eric brings 15 years of leadership and management experience to the staff and clients of the Payroll Department. A life path of experiential education and adventure brought Eric into the wilderness with executives and youth at Outward Bound, climbing the walls of Yosemite, and most recently building a strawbale house in Bayfield. When not helping our clients with their Payroll needs he spends time with his family, explores our local wild places, and is working to keep up with the local cyclists of the Durango Wheel Club.

Kyla Zufelt
Born and raised locally, Kyla enjoys reading, spending time with her large family, and playing outdoors with her two children. Loves Durango, and the opportunities this position provides to serve the community.

Stephanie Johnson
Stephanie believes that customer service is extremely important for any business to succeed, she enjoys talking to each and every customer that calls or stops by The Payroll Dept. When not at work Stephanie enjoys spending time at home with her family, baking goodies, going to kickboxing class at the local gym or planning a special event or party. She has a love for California and enjoys visiting and touring the wine vineyards.

Melinda Shishim
Melinda moved to Durango in 1995 to attend Fort Lewis College where she earned a degree in English, making her the resident proofreading pest. She loves living in Durango, riding her bikes, knitting, and baking.