Our People

Crista Gallagher is a seasoned HR Consulting professional with over 25 years of experience in HR, Systems and Payroll. Currently serving as the Payroll Consulting Manager at BPM, Crista leads a team of payroll consultants, leveraging her extensive expertise to align client needs with specialized resources, ensuring optimal effectiveness and satisfaction.

Throughout her career, Crista has led HR/People functions across three distinct companies, managing teams responsible for the full spectrum of HR activities. Her executive journey spans diverse business models, including roles in a cutting-edge hi-tech photonics startup, a B2C manufacturer and installer of exterior home improvement products, and a government contractor.

At BPM, Crista’s depth and breadth of experience allow her to flex her versatility. She manages a team of payroll consultants, aligning client needs with BPM’s expert resources to ensure client effectiveness and satisfaction.

Crista’s career highlights include:

  • Pioneering a Leadership Development program that enhanced skills for over 50 rising managers through a unique self-leadership-focused curriculum.
  • Establishing formal HR functions for three companies, shaping their structure and building tailored HR teams.
  • Developing a payroll-focused practice area within an HR and payroll consulting firm.
  • Implementing various HR and payroll systems, including Kronos WorkForce Ready (now UKG Ready), Taleo (ATS) and Echospan (performance management).
  • Serving as an HR and payroll consultant, a PeopleSoft products implementation consultant and an employee benefits consultant.
  • Building a successful coaching business focused on executive and emerging leaders.

Crista holds an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. She is a Certified Professional Coach, a Certified EQi-2.0 administrator and facilitator, and a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). She has maintained her SPHR and SHRM-SCP certifications for over two decades.

Crista’s diverse skill set, coupled with her passion for transforming workplace cultures, positions her as an asset in her role at BPM and as a leader in HR, payroll consulting and leadership development.

Quick facts

Awards

Smart CEO Executive Management Award – Smart CEO (2015)

Certifications
  • Certified Professional Coach
  • Certified EQi-2.0 administrator and facilitator
  • Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
  • Past – Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
  • Past – SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)
Education

BA/Art History – James Madison University
MBA/Interdisciplinary Business – Johns Hopkins University