Our Team

As an Employer of Record, Strategic Contracting Services knows that we need a talented executive team that reflects the needs of your company. The SCS Team possesses a wealth of experience from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

The Diversity and Know-How of the SCS Team

From payroll processing to staff training to new hire onboarding and employee relations, our backgrounds reflect the essential combination of diversity and know-how. We provide a viable solution as an employer of record because we have a proven history of successful solutions. We have seen it before and know what to do.

When you have a question, the SCS team has the answer. As an Employer of Record, SCS gives our client companies the freedom to thrive at what they do best.

The SCS Executive Management Team

Sami Mercer - Strategic Contracting Services
Sami Mercer - Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Professional Human Resources
Professional Human Resources
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Samantha Mercer

CHEIF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
 

After earning her Master’s in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University, Sami began her career in the payroll and HR industry. She honed her expertise as a human resource and payroll implementation specialist, successfully transitioning clients to advanced Human Capital Management systems and ensuring seamless integrations. At SCS, Samantha progressed from managing client accounts as Director of Client Services to leading the organization as CEO.

In her current role, she oversees strategic planning, company operations, and key partnerships to deliver exceptional employer-of-record solutions.  Her areas of expertise include strategic leadership, business development, client relationship management, and a deep understanding of HR technology platforms. Sami’s commitment to delivering innovative and effective solutions has established her as a trusted leader in the HR and employer-of-record industry.

Cana Tighe - Strategic Contracting Services
Cana Tighe - Director of Finance/CFO
Professional Human Resources
Professional Human Resources
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Cana Tighe

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE/CFO
 

As a Certified Professional in Human Resources, Cana has over 20 years of experience in business management and HR service administration. Cana’s expertise spans payroll processing, tax administration, and employee benefits, but her true passion lies in building strong client relationships and offering strategic HR and employee solutions. In her current role she manages accounting, finance operations and oversees the employee health and wellness programs promoting awareness of both financial and physical well-being.

James Harwood - Strategic Contracting Services
James Harwood - Director
Professional Human Resources
Professional Human Resources
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James Harwood

PARTNER, HR CONSULTANT
 

James Harwood has more than 20 years of experience providing HR client services. He has worked as a human resources executive and consultant with Fortune 500 companies, including Intel Corp. and Tektronix Inc., as well as nonprofit corporations and small businesses. He oversees HR administration departments, including payroll, benefits, and workers’ compensation. His areas of expertise include leadership and management development, employee satisfaction surveys, and performance management consultation.

As a former faculty member at Woodbury University, James Harwood has taught courses on human resources, organizational behavior and communication, and labor relations. His work as an educator has improved his ability to communicate clearly and efficiently with client companies. James Harwood expresses this balanced approach for effective HR management and HR client services:

“It’s important for leaders and managers to be as honest as they possibly can about the factors that are driving the business decisions and the realities that are leading to some of the difficult decisions, while also trying to stay as optimistic as possible about the future.”

James Harwood received a Masters of Arts in Psychology from Pepperdine University. He attended Peter F. Drucker and Masatoshi Ito Graduate School of Management at Claremont Graduate University and received his MBA in 1995. As the Principle HR Consulting Manager for Strategic Contracting Services, James Harwood fosters a responsive business environment that offers both responsive attention and detailed expertise to client companies.

Larissa Lane, Operations Manager
Larissa Lane, Operations Manager
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Larissa Lane

PAYROLL SERVICES MANAGER
 

Larissa is the Operations Manager at Strategic Contracting Services (SCS), where she oversees all functions related to service delivery and operational support. With a strong foundation in banking and over 10 years of experience in payroll, Larissa brings deep expertise in payroll administration, benefits management, and HR systems implementation. She is known for her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted and reliable resource for both clients and internal teams. Her dedication to operational efficiency and compliance plays a key role in SCS’s continued success.