Profile

Mark Payne serves as the Executive Director of Public Allies Chicago (PAC)‐ the oldest, continuous‐running site in the Public Allies national network with a rich history of addressing systemic inequities through action. Mark’s goal is to position PAC as the premier pipeline for talented civic change agents in the Chicago metropolitan area. Mark oversees all aspects of PAC including strategic visioning, external engagement, fundraising, and staff management. Mark has 30 years of experience in government and community relations, economic development and youth development. Before leaving Chicago city government to lead CeaseFire Illinois, He served the City of Chicago in various Public Safety policy roles. As the Deputy Chief of Staff / Public Safety for Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mark served as liaison to five Public Safety Departments. While serving as Deputy Director to the Superintendent’s Office at the Chicago Police Department he developed a key partnership with DePaul University’s Egan Urban Center to revitalize and restructure the Community Alternative Policing Program (CAPS). He oversaw the retraining of the entire CAPS staff (sworn and civilian) in Asset Based Community Engagement methods. He also served as a co‐facilitator for the National League of Cities Black Male Achievement Initiative and served on the leadership team of Mayor Emanuel's Commission for a Safer Chicago as well as the Department of Justice’s National Forum on Youth Violence.  Mark is an alumnus of City Year Chicago, Public Allies Chicago and the Lugenia Burns Hope- Center Leadership Training Institute. Mark is also a Fellow at the Annie E. Casey Foundation.