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Clay Kelley Announces Retirement as CRO at Stratus HR
March 2, 2026 — Stratus HR just announced that Clay Kelley, Chief Revenue Officer, has retired as Chief Revenue Officer following a remarkable 41-year career in the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) industry and six years of dedicated service to the company.
After prayerful reflection and discussions with his family, Kelley made the decision to step into retirement with gratitude and pride for the journey he has shared with colleagues and partners.
The Stratus HR team has received his announcement with a mixture of tears and sincere appreciation. “Clay has been a great mentor to the Stratus team and to me, both personally and professionally,” said Chase Heywood, President and COO. “His professional expertise and deep industry knowledge have been an incredible resource to Stratus HR. His leadership and perspective have meant so much to our entire organization. He is widely regarded as one of the great leaders in the PEO industry, and his impact on our company will be felt for years to come.”
For the past six years, Kelley played a key role in strengthening Stratus HR's revenue operations and supporting its long-term growth. He expressed appreciation to the company’s owners for their trust and support, noting that the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s success has been a lasting honor.
“I step away with a grateful heart,” Kelley shared. “Working with this incredible team has been a true blessing, and I will always value the relationships we’ve built.”
As he begins this new chapter, Kelley looks forward to spending more time with family, improving his golf game, and embracing his role as a grandfather.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Clay has been a generous mentor and trusted advisor, providing guidance and support that goes far beyond words,” added Heywood. “We are deeply grateful for the value he has brought to our team and our culture. As he begins this next chapter, we wish him nothing but happiness and fulfillment, especially with his focus on grandpa life.”
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.