Stratus HR Announces Promotion of Chase Heywood to Chief Executive Officer
Chase Heywood has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer of Stratus HR, with John Farnsworth providing strategic guidance as an Advisor.
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Sandy, Utah – March 30, 2026 – Stratus HR is pleased to announce the promotion of Chase Heywood, formerly President and Chief Operating Officer, to President and Chief Executive Officer. This leadership transition reflects the company’s continued commitment to strong governance, long-term growth, and operational excellence.
“Chase has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and vision since he first came to Stratus in 2012,” said John Farnsworth, Stratus HR co-founder and former CEO. “I have complete trust and confidence in his ability to lead this organization into its next chapter. He understands our mission, our people, and our clients better than anyone, and I know the company is in very capable hands.”
Heywood has been an integral part of Stratus HR’s executive leadership team for the past 10 years. He was named Chief Financial Officer in 2016 and played a critical role in shaping the company’s strategy, culture, and performance. Then In 2024, Heywood was named as President and COO where he oversaw day-to-day operations, guided key initiatives, and helped position the organization for sustained success.
“It has been an honor to work alongside Chase and watch his growth as a leader,” Farnsworth added. “His dedication, strategic mindset, and unwavering focus on our values make him the right person to guide this company forward.”
During his tenure, Heywood has led major initiatives in software migration, workers’ comp programs, benefit carrier transitions, executive leadership changes, and COVID-related programs such as the ERTC and PPP. Through his efforts, Stratus experienced exponential growth, increasing from fewer than 3,000 to more than 9,000 worksite employees, and has strengthened its competitive position with full dedication to service excellence.
In accepting the role, Heywood expressed gratitude for the opportunity and confidence in the company’s future.
“I am deeply honored to step into the role of CEO and am grateful for the trust placed in me by John and Michelyn, the leadership team, and our employees,” said Heywood. “We have built something truly special at Stratus, and I look forward to continuing our work together with innovation, supporting our clients, and empowering our people.”
As part of this transition, John Farnsworth will remain involved with the company as an Advisor, providing strategic guidance and continuity for executive decisions as Founder and Executive Chair.
About Stratus HR
Stratus HR® is a leading PEO focused on delivering comprehensive HR outsourcing solutions that solve problems in human resources, workers’ comp, benefits administration, payroll, and HR software.
By partnering with Stratus, organizations gain access to scalable, efficient HR solutions that improve profitability, support compliance, and reduce employment-related risk — all while ensuring a strong employee experience.