The KG Way
Quality Service. Dedicated Resources. Efficient Solutions. We are all about servicing our customers.
We look at every client as a partner and strive to achieve "they are part of our team" status.
At Karsten Group, we believe HR should be human.
We don't simply provide services—we join teams, solve problems, and help organizations
build workplaces where employees can thrive and leaders can lead with confidence.
We hire people who are emotionally intelligent, naturally solution-oriented, and energized by
making work easier for others. We encourage curiosity, challenge outdated processes,
and believe "because we've always done it that way" is rarely the best answer.
When you partner with KG, you don't get a call center, a ticketing system, or a rotating
consultant. You gain a dedicated team that learns your culture, understands your goals,
and becomes an extension of your organization.
Resources for Humans isn't just our tagline. It's how we work.
"People often think HR is about policies, forms, and compliance. Those things matter, but at its core, HR is about people. Every decision we make impacts someone's career, family, and future. I believe organizations thrive when they remember that business results and human connection are not competing priorities—they're inseparable."
Our Founder & CEO
Julie Pursell
Julie founded Karsten Group with a simple belief: organizations perform better when they stop treating
Human Resources as an administrative function and start leveraging it as a business strategy.
For more than two decades, Julie has helped organizations navigate the intersection of people,
payroll, compliance, culture, and business operations. Her experience spans municipalities, healthcare
organizations, professional service firms, nonprofits, and growing businesses, giving her a practical
understanding of the challenges leaders face and the solutions they need.
Julie created Karsten Group to provide employers with something she felt was often missing in the
HR industry—a true partner. One that becomes an extension of the organization, understands its
culture and goals, and is invested in helping leaders sleep better at night, make confident decisions,
and build workplaces people are proud to be part of.
Under Julie's leadership, Karsten Group has grown into a team of HR and payroll
professionals who support clients across multiple states, providing outsourced HR,
payroll administration, benefits support, recruiting, labor relations, compliance guidance, and
strategic consulting services. Whether assisting a municipality through labor negotiations,
helping a growing business build its first HR infrastructure, or supporting leaders through complex
employee matters, the KG team approaches every engagement with the same philosophy:
practical solutions, meaningful relationships, and exceptional service.
At KG, we call this Defeating Status Quo—remaining curious, challenging assumptions,
and refusing to accept "because we've always done it that way" as the best answer. It is a mindset
that drives our team, shapes our partnerships, and reflects Julie's belief that great workplaces are
intentionally built by leaders who care deeply about business outcomes and the humans behind them.
The Humans Behind the HR
At KG, we believe great HR starts with great humans. Get to know the people who support our clients,
challenge the status quo, and help make work a little easier—and a lot more meaningful.
"The best partnerships don't start with a sales pitch. They start with listening. Every organization has a unique story, culture, and set of challenges. My goal is to understand what matters most to our clients and connect them with solutions that make a meaningful difference."
Director, Business Development & Client Relations
Kelsey Poe
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"Great HR is equal parts strategy and service. Whether we're solving a complex compliance issue or answering a simple employee question, every interaction is an opportunity to create confidence, build relationships, and support a stronger workplace."
Manager, Client HR Operations
Madeline Smith, PHR
"Consistency builds trust. Employees deserve to know what to expect, leaders deserve reliable support, and organizations deserve HR processes that work. I love helping create systems that make life easier for everyone while never losing sight of the people behind the process."
Manager, Client HR Operations
Taina Montanez, PHR
"I enjoy figuring out how to make things work better. Whether it's untangling a complicated problem, improving a process, or putting out fires before anyone else knows they exist, I like being the person behind the scenes keeping things moving."
Manager, Business & Administration
Erica Painter
"The best HR solutions are practical ones. My focus is helping leaders navigate challenges with confidence, providing guidance that is compliant, actionable, and tailored to the realities of their workplace. HR should help organizations move forward, not slow them down."
Chuy C.
HR Business Partner
"I believe the little things matter. Whether it's supporting a client, helping a teammate, or assisting an employee, small acts of service often create the biggest impact. My goal is to make every interaction positive, helpful, and a reflection of the care we bring to our work."
Macenzie M.
HR Business Partner
"I believe people do their best work when they aren't distracted by the little things. I enjoy helping create order, anticipating needs, and making sure the details are taken care of so our team can stay focused on serving clients and growing meaningful relationships."
Gina B.
Team Member, Administration
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"The best HR support happens when people don't have to wonder what comes next. I enjoy bringing organization, consistency, and follow-through to the employee experience so leaders can focus on running their businesses while employees feel informed, supported, and valued."
Amanda G.
Team Member, HR Operations
"Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust. Whether helping onboard a new employee, answering a difficult question, or supporting a client through change, I strive to create experiences that leave people feeling heard, respected, and confident in what comes next."
Juliette M.
Team Member, HR Operations
"People rarely call HR because everything is going perfectly, and I enjoy being part of the solution when challenges arise. I believe good HR balances compliance, compassion, and practicality, helping organizations move forward with confidence and employees feel supported along the way."
Mandi O.
Team Member, HR Operations
"Great service isn't about checking boxes—it's about anticipating needs, communicating clearly, and following through. I enjoy helping clients navigate the moving pieces of HR so they can spend more time focusing on their people and their mission."
Melissa A.
Team Member, HR Operations
"I love finding better ways to do things. Whether it's improving a process, supporting a client, or learning something new, I believe growth comes from staying curious, asking questions, and never accepting 'because that's how we've always done it' as the final answer."
Savannah P.
Team Member, HR Operations
"HR is about helping people do their best work. I enjoy bringing a calm, thoughtful approach to every situation and helping leaders and employees navigate challenges with clarity, empathy, and practical solutions that strengthen the workplace."
Tiffany H.
Team Member, HR Operations
Our Certifications
