Our Story

Built for Business Owners. Inspired by Real Experience.

Ataraxis® began with a challenge familiar to many business owners: managing HR while trying to grow a business. In 2008, our founder Stephen Cilley led a fast-growing insurance adjusting firm with 70 employees across five states. Instead of focusing on strategy, he spent more time buried in HR tasks—compliance, payroll, benefits, and employee relations.

After a year of searching for a true HR partner, Stephen found only software platforms and firms offering advice from the sidelines. That experience sparked a realization: the solution he needed didn’t exist. So, he built it.

In 2010, Stephen launched Ataraxis to deliver full-service HR, payroll, and benefits—not as a vendor, but as a true extension of the businesses we serve. The name “Ataraxis” means the absence of mental stress or anxiety, and that philosophy guides everything we do. We ease the burden, do the work, and help businesses move forward with less risk and more confidence.

Milestones That Matter

• 2010 – Ataraxis is founded and welcomed its first client.
• 2011 – Added Workers’ Compensation to our service offering for Idaho-based clients. 
• 2013 – Expanded our services across Nevada.
• 2014 – Expanded our Western presence by supporting California clients. 
• 2018 – Added staffing services and expanded into Texas. Glen Scott joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. 
• 2019 – Established the Scott Esplin Memorial Foundation to honor a beloved team member and support student-athletes.
• 2020 – With the dramatic shift toward remote work, we expanded our services in 11 additional states. 
• 2021 – Expanded our licensing in 25 states to support clients. Glen Scott transitioned to Chief People Officer.  Eric Smith joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. 
• 2022 – Ataraxis implemented a new HRIS system and introduced Beneficient, our ASO model, founded by Stephen Cilley and Eric Smith.
• 2024 – Our national footprint grew with the acquisition of Cornerstone Innovations and Diversified Employee Solutions in Ohio. Kailee Rosentreter was promoted to VP of HR and Operations.
• 2025 – Celebrated our 15th anniversary.  Now delivering our services in 45 states and counting. Our Founder, Stephen Cilley, was elevated to Chairman of the Board.  Eric Smith promoted to Chief Executive Officer and Autumn Brown was named VP of Finance.   

What Drives Us

Ataraxis is more than a service provider—we’re a people-first partner. We believe that when employees thrive, businesses do too. That’s why we partner with you as an extension of your team, offering hands-on support that’s built around your goals, your people, and your future.

We simplify the work behind the work—so you can focus on what matters most.