Payton was born and raised in Oregon and has always had a passion for understanding people and systems. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Psychology from Western Oregon University, where her interests in workplace well-being and organizational dynamics first took root. She later went on to complete her MBA with a concentration in Human Resources from Willamette University, equipping her with both strategic and operational expertise in the HR field. 

 

Payton is SHRM-CP certified and brings over a decade of experience in human resources, spanning employee relations, compliance, performance management, and leadership development. She has worked across a variety of industries, where she enjoys creating practical, people-centered solutions that align with business goals.

 

Outside of work, Payton and her husband Wayne have been together for nearly ten years and are raising two young children who keep them busy and inspired. The family loves to spend their free time camping, exploring the outdoors, and having cozy movie nights at home. Payton finds joy in creating meaningful moments with her kids and believes that strong family values help guide her approach as both a leader and a teammate.