Kim Pollok
CEO of SWBC Payroll + HR
By Rudy Arispe | Photography by David Teran
Kim Pollok has always been drawn to the people side of business, which is why a career in human resources has proven to be the perfect fit. She’s been doing HR since age 19 at a call center with about 2,000 people, overseeing employee relations, operations and leadership development. It proved to be a major learning experience that would prepare her for greater things when she landed at SWBC.
“It’s where strategy and people intersect,” said Pollok, Chief Executive Officer of SWBC Payroll + HR. “I wanted to understand what makes teams thrive and how to build cultures that bring out the best in people. That curiosity has stayed with me throughout my career.”
Since joining SWBC in January 2010 as a human resources consultant in the Employee Benefits Division, Pollok has made her mark and proved her ability to lead, manage large, multiple projects, and, more importantly, connect with people, including her fellow SWBC employees and numerous clients.
In fact, it was her leadership role with one major project – the company’s acquisition of the SWBC Payroll + HR Division – that would lead to SWBC co-founders, Chairman Charlie Amato and President Gary Dudley, noticing her strong performance and eventual promotion as Chief Executive Officer.
“I was right in the thick of it from the start,” Pollok recalled. “My role was to make sure we weren’t just acquiring a business; we were building something stronger for the company and for our employees. I focused on how we could integrate teams, retain clients, and create a seamless experience. It was a lot of listening, planning, and making sure we stayed true to our SWBC Values. That process really showcased my ability to lead through change, learn the PEO industry, and I think that’s what helped pave the way to the CEO role.”
As CEO, Pollok wears many hats, but the core of her job is to set the vision and make sure the company delivers real value to its clients. “I work closely with our leadership team to keep us aligned and moving forward. I also spend a lot of time connecting with employees and clients to stay grounded in what’s working and where we can improve.”‘
Pollok earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources from the University of the Incarnate Word. Incidentally, her daughter, Delaynie, followed in her mother’s footsteps. Like her mom, Delaynie earned a bachelor’s degree in management with an emphasis in human resources from Texas A&M University. Her other daughter, Tatum, is currently enrolled at Texas A&M University, where she studies kinesiology and business.
“I want to show them that I can be a full-time working woman and still balance being their mom,” she said. “I also look forward to watching them grow in the business world and supporting them in their careers.”
In addition to her busy work schedule, Pollok makes time to mentor business students at Texas State University’s McCoy College of Business. “It’s one of the most rewarding things I do,” she said. “The students are so eager to learn and full of fresh ideas. I love helping them connect the dots between what they’re learning in class and what it looks like in the real world. And honestly, I learn just as much from them as they do from me.”
She also founded Women Supporting Women in Texas Business (WSWTX), a group dedicated to empowering women-owned and operated businesses through networking and shared knowledge.
“WSWTX is such a special community of women,” Pollok explained. “It started local and has grown. It’s on a social media platform, and it’s all about bringing women leaders together to share experiences, support each other, and drive change. I’ve met some incredible women through it, and I always walk away from those conversations feeling inspired and recharged.”
To ensure she balances her work and personal life, Pollok looks to the outdoors to recharge mentally and physically. She jogs and enjoys yoga and biking, especially on trails where she can disconnect and be with Mother Nature.
“I’ve learned that protecting my mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity, especially in a leadership role,” the CEO said. “It’s not always easy to slow down without feeling guilty, but I’ve come to appreciate how much better I show up for others when I take that time for myself. Exploring new places, even just a new trail or a weekend getaway, helps me reset. And, yes, I love a good glass of wine now and then.”
Pollok’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, resilience, and heart. From her early days in HR to leading a dynamic division at SWBC, she’s remained focused on what matters most—people. Whether she’s mentoring future business leaders, championing women entrepreneurs, or guiding her team through change, Pollok leads with purpose and authenticity. Her story continues to inspire those around her, proving that when strategy meets compassion, remarkable things happen.
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