Riviera Beach, Fla. (September 26, 2023) – The Arc of Palm Beach County is pleased to announce the appointment of nonprofit veteran, Pamela M. Payne, as its new President & CEO. Payne joins The Arc of Palm Beach County with an incredible reputation as a nonprofit executive, having more than 40 years of extensive experience in fundraising, collaborative partnerships, and fiscal responsibility.
“I am honored to take this next step in my nonprofit journey to help address the needs of all people with disabilities and to give them a voice,” said Payne. “The Arc of Palm Beach County holds a special place in my heart and touches the lives of so many people in the community through empowerment, engagement, and inspiration.”
Prior to joining The Arc, Payne served in multiple leadership roles for nonprofits across Palm Beach County. Most recently, she was the CEO of The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County from 2020 to 2023. Prior to her position at the Homeless Coalition, Payne was the executive director of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), with oversight of Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, Okeechobee, and Hendry counties from 2005 to 2020. During her 15-year tenure at LLS, she received national recognition after South Florida was named a top performing chapter. Payne also served as the senior executive director for the American Heart Association for 26 years (1979 to 2005) where she focused on fundraising, administration, and program functions for five counties.
Payne has been very involved in Palm Beach County organizations. She served as the president of Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. (EWPBF), and has received multiple leadership awards, including the American Heart Association’s Rome Betts Award for Management and being honored as one of the March of Dimes Women of Distinction.
“We are thrilled to have Pamela as the new leader of The Arc; a person who can embody our mission of improving the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community,” said The Arc’s Board Chair Kurt Gehring. “Pamela will be instrumental in helping us fulfill our plans to increase the services we can offer and improve people’s experiences.”
About The Arc of Palm Beach County
The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community. Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted.
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