Kristen Appleman serves as Chief Operating Officer at CoAdvantage. With more than 25 years of leadership experience in the Human Capital Management industry, Kristen brings extensive expertise in scaling operations, driving innovation, and creating positive client and employee experiences.

Before joining CoAdvantage, Kristen served as Senior Vice President and General Manager at another leading PEO, where she also played a pivotal role in developing client service strategies and leading complex organizational transformations.

As an influential leader in the PEO industry, Kristen served as President and Chair of the Board for the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) from 2022 to 2023, where she championed initiatives to foster favorable legislative and regulatory environments for the PEO industry.

Kristen holds a bachelor’s degree in Music and an MBA from Florida State University, as well as a Master’s in Human Resource Management from Rollins College. A dedicated mentor and community advocate, Kristen has contributed to organizations such as Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta and Dress for Success.

Based in the Atlanta area, Kristen is known for her energetic leadership style, commitment to building strong workplace cultures, and dedication to advancing the PEO industry.