J. Robert Sebo ('58, '13 (Hon.))

Bob Sebo is a retired senior vice president for Paychex Inc. of Rochester, New York, where he played a significant role in the evolution of the payroll service company. From 1960 to 1974, he served as district sales manager of the Cadillac Motor Division of General Motors in western New York.

Then in 1974 Mr. Sebo became associated with a fledgling company, known as Paychex, and its founder, Tom Golisano. At that time the company employed only two individuals. In 1974, under an agreement with Golisano, Sebo began Paychex, Inc. of Ohio, concentrating on the geographical area from Salem to Cleveland. The company processes the payrolls of about 560,000 clients, making it the second-largest payroll accounting firm in the U.S. after Automatic Data Processing.

Paychex also provides automatic tax payment, direct deposit, and wage garnishment processing. Its Human Resource Services-Professional Employer Organization unit offers such services as 401(k) record-keeping, risk management, benefits administration, and group insurance management. Paychex focuses on small and midsized businesses (ones with fewer than 100 employees).

Mr. Sebo holds membership in the Salem Elks, Salem Booster Club, Italian Club of Salem, Salem Golf Club, and Salem Historical Society and is a patron of the Salem Community Theater. Additionally, he is a member of the Naples National Golf Club and the Rochester, New York, Oak Hill Country Club.

Published: 2008