This March, the American Cancer Society (ACS) presented its annual St. George National Award to Chad Richison, founder and CEO of Paycom.
Richison is being recognized for his tireless dedication to the ACS’s vision of ending cancer as we know it, for everyone.
Established in 1949, the St. George National Award recognizes volunteers nationwide for their outstanding leadership, service and advocacy in advancing ACS’s mission. The organization has been combating cancer through advocacy, research and patient support for over 100 years.
Richison is the only Oklahoman among this year’s 10 honorees and just the second non-medical recipient from the state in over 25 years. His philanthropic efforts and forward-thinking leadership have made a meaningful impact on ACS and those affected by cancer.
“I’m humbled to be recognized by the American Cancer Society alongside people who are equally committed to helping fight cancer,” Richison said. “I’ve seen firsthand the effects of cancer on friends and family, and I’m committed to making a lasting impact for Oklahomans going through similar experiences.”
In 1998, Chad Richison founded Paycom, one of the first web-based HR and payroll technology companies in the country. Beyond being an innovative entrepreneur, he’s a dedicated philanthropist, giving generously to causes that support education, foster care and mental health.
In 2015, he launched the Green Shoe Foundation, a nonprofit helping adults heal from childhood trauma through five-day mental wellness retreats led by licensed therapists, providing a space for transformative healing.
Richison first heard about ACS’s plans for a Hope Lodge in Oklahoma City in 2019, a facility offering free lodging for cancer patients and their families during treatment. He donated $5 million to complete the project.
Since opening in August 2023, the American Cancer Society Chad Richison Hope Lodge has provided nearly 21,000 nights of free lodging.
Richison and Paycom continue to support ACS’s mission through an employee giving and corporate match program, helping cover ongoing operational costs for Hope Lodge and making a lasting impact in the community. This year, the company donated $37,500 to the Lodge in Oklahoma City as well as in Dallas, TX.
Jeff Fehlis, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society, said, “We are incredibly grateful to Chad Richison for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the fight against cancer. Through his generosity, Chad has made a profound impact on countless lives, including patients traveling to Oklahoma City for cancer treatment, through a $5 million donation to our Hope Lodge. His efforts, alongside the Paycom employee team, have ensured that those affected by cancer have a place to turn for support.”
For more information on the American Cancer Society, please visit cancer.org, and to learn more about Paycom, head to https://www.paycom.com/.
