The Northeast Georgia History Center at Brenau University on Friday announced the appointment of Greg Payne as its next executive director.
Payne's appointment follows the departure of former executive director Glen Kyle in March 2023. Libba Beaucham served as interim executive director following Kyle's departure, and will now serve as director of operations.
According to the History Center's September newsletter, Payne has a passion for history and an extensive leadership and project management background.
Payne grew up in Virginia, which he said was instrumental in his love of history.
“I was fortunate to grow up where I did, surrounded by as much American History as I was," Payne said. "It was through great teachers, museums, and books that I found a passion for history and how history can be used to connect people not just to the past but within their present communities as well.”
Payne has a Bachelor of Science in History from Portland State University and an M.B.A from East Carolina University. He has served in various leadership roles, including Senior Project Manager at Descartes Systems and Services Project Manager at Manhattan Associates. Additionally, Payne has worked at UPS in Corporate Transportation and IT Solutions.
Before accepting the position, Payne was a dedicated volunteer with the History Center and has held leadership roles in organizations like Toastmasters and the Boy Scouts of America. He is also the host of the Cool Grandpa podcast, which offers insights and resources for grandparents to connect with their grandchildren.
"We’re all so grateful to have Greg on the team,” Beaucham said. “It was an honor and a rewarding experience to be Interim Executive Director, but we really needed someone with Greg’s skill set, experience, and strategic approach to fully realize our potential. Being a fellow history nerd, Greg also understands the value we offer to the community. I’m really looking forward to learning from Greg and working with him as a team leader!”
The appointment comes as the History Center is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2024.
