
Carolyn Hayden-Garner
Professional Profile
Carolyn Hayden-Garner is a global executive with more than 30 years of experience leading enterprise workforce operations, payroll transformation, and technology strategy across multinational organizations, including CBRE, Northrop Grumman, and Tesla.
She currently serves as a Global Executive at Tesla, where she leads end-to-end payroll operations across the Americas, Europe, Latin America, and India. Her work focuses on designing scalable, enterprise-wide solutions that improve operational efficiency, strengthen compliance, and enhance organizational performance across complex global environments.
Carolyn began her career with the Dallas Independent School District, where she served as Executive Director of Payroll, establishing a strong foundation in large-scale workforce operations and systems leadership.
In addition to her corporate leadership, Carolyn brings over a decade of governance and advisory experience. She serves as a National Board Trustee for Boys & Girls Clubs of America and as a Board Advisor for the Oracle Human Capital Management Users Group, contributing to strategic direction, stakeholder alignment, and organizational oversight.
She is also the founder of Mothers Shut In, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women to build sustainable, generational legacies reflecting her broader commitment to leadership that drives impact across both business and community.
Carolyn brings a governance-focused perspective to workforce strategy, enterprise technology, and organizational performance, positioning her as a valuable contributor at the board level.

Leadership & Industry Recognition
2026
Women’s Wealth Symposium- Purple Heart Award
Recipient
Payroll Leaders Conference
Keynote Speaker
2025
The Great Conversation - Dallas’ Premier Annual Event
Honoree
O’Dallas featuring Oprah Winfrey
Host Committee
2024
Hallmark Mahogany Honoree
Recipient
American Heart & Impact Magazine
Featured Contributor & Team Member
2023
PayrollOrg
Keynote Speaker
Congress Today Blog - 41st Annual Payroll Congress
Featured
PayTech Magazine - “Dedicated to Her Craft”
Featured
NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Game Changer Award
Recipient
2022
Utah’s 40 Over 40
Winner
Nexstar Remarkable Women – Utah Region
Finalist
2021
Women of Impact Award - Impact Magazine
Recipient
Black at Tesla (Employee Resource Group)
Executive Sponsor (2021-Present)
