PICS Employee Spotlight [Get to know Lena Jones, Senior Payroll Manager]

At PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a subsidiary of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), much of our work is behind the scenes. Our Employee Spotlight helps you learn more about our team. This month, we’re excited to feature Lena Jones! Lena started her career at PICS in 2013 as a payroll specialist, was promoted to payroll manager, and currently serves as our senior payroll manager. 

Q. Tell us a little bit about your current position and what your day-to-day looks like.

Lena: As PICS’ senior payroll manager, I ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations and maintain my Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) credential. 

I lead a team of eight, including payroll specialists, an accounts payable specialist and payroll administrators, and oversee the timely and accurate completion of payroll processing and required reporting. I also stay current on industry developments by attending relevant conferences and webinars.

My role operates behind the scenes to ensure all payroll functions are completed accurately and on time. I manage payroll processing, tax payments, quarterly filings, and year‑end reporting. By handling these responsibilities, I help relieve families of administrative burdens so they can focus on caring for their loved ones. Ultimately, my goal is to support participants in remaining safely and comfortably in their own homes.

Q. What do you enjoy most about working at PICS/LSS? 

Lena: I most enjoy working with my team. They are dedicated professionals who consistently ensure that our families receive their wages and reimbursements on time. Their commitment to meeting deadlines and supporting one another makes a meaningful impact every day. I value the opportunity to share my knowledge with them, and while we work hard, we also maintain a positive and collaborative team environment.

Q. PICS' Shared Values include being trustworthy, compassionate, knowledgeable, collaborative and responsive. How do these values show up in your day-to-day work?

Lena: I safeguard the confidential information entrusted to our team and ensure it is handled with the highest level of integrity. I conduct system audits to verify data accuracy and confirm that all reporting is completed correctly. It is important to me that our families know they can rely on us to provide accurate, dependable and dedicated service.

Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Lena: I have taken up knitting; it has become an obsession with me lately. I love going to a yarn shop and finding yarn that I can transform into a special gift for someone.

Q. Beach, mountains or city — what’s your ideal getaway?

Lena: The mountains have always been my favorite place because the Rocky Mountains were my view from my home. But now that I live here in Minnesota, I enjoy spending time near water. There is just something so relaxing watching water move downstream.

Q. Do you have any pets?

Lena: Yes, we have four dogs: two Whippets and two Italian greyhounds. They are couch potatoes, but when they get to go out on road trips, they all line up! They love car rides.

Q. You're happiest when...

Lena: I am happiest when I get to spend time with my family. I have been lucky enough to have both my kids here in Minnesota.

Here’s what Lena’s colleagues and team members shared about her…

“Lena is amazing! She is the heartbeat of the service we provide. She takes immense pride in doing everything she can to get it right, do it promptly, efficiently, accurately and provide all the documents and reports as they are requested and required. Her extensive experience, initiative to dig and find the answers, interest and willingness to collaborate with other providers make her the perfect person for this role. She is available to answer questions, trouble-shoot issues and find solutions. She is a magnificent leader, and her team runs like a well-oiled machine — even as problems pop up. I am thoroughly grateful to work alongside her daily and to have her on our team.”

“Lena provides the perfect amount of balance for our team. She comes to work with positivity and a great personality. She loves to tell funny stories as much as she loves receiving them! During the time she spends checking in on her team, Lena goes above and beyond, pitching in to ensure the work gets done. Lena is generous, dependable, accountable and results driven. We are lucky to have her! “

“I think Lena is an outstanding manager. She has been a great teacher and mentor to me since I started with PICS, and she really just gets it. She is very understanding and helpful with our families and is always willing to help her staff with anything we need. I have learned a lot from her, and I appreciate her more than she knows!”

“Lena is an exceptional payroll manager whose impact goes far beyond her role. She consistently demonstrates a willingness to teach others while remaining a lifelong learner herself, always seeking to understand processes and improve outcomes. As a key player on the PICS team, Lena is a collaborative partner who makes working together seamless and productive. Her leadership reflects genuine care for the people we support, bringing a human touch to every aspect of our work. Lena’s dedication, empathy and expertise make her an invaluable asset to the team and the organization.”

“Being the Payroll Sage she is, Lena’s knowledge and expertise are invaluable.
Her resolve is admirable, and her compassion is unquestionable.
Calmer than an air traffic controller!
More capable than an IRS Tax Agent!
Able to jump in and solve any payroll issue in a single bound!
It’s Super Lena!

Lena is an excellent manager and I’m so proud to be part of her team.”

“Lena consistently goes above and beyond in her role, making a meaningful impact on both her colleagues and the individuals/families we support. Her ability to manage complex situations while remaining calm and solution-focused is a significant asset to our team. Lena works collaboratively with team members, offering valuable insights and updates, sharing knowledge, and fostering a positive team environment. As a team member, I am extremely thankful to be a part of her Payroll Team where she is very supportive, flexible, and caring about others. She is truly an amazing leader and payroll manager for our workplace.”

“Lena’s dedication to PICS and the families we serve is unwavering. As Payroll Manager, she leads with compassion, integrity, and purpose — setting a strong example for her team. Her leadership has been instrumental in rolling out complex systems with innovation and urgency, all while fostering a positive, collaborative environment. Lena not only drives results but also loves to have fun and sets an upbeat tone for her team, creating an environment where people feel motivated and supported. Her ability to embrace change, inspire confidence, and maintain high standards ensures that PICS continues to grow and deliver exceptional service.”