Christina Payne is a perfect example of a leader who helps and a helper who leads. The newly promoted vice president of human resources and corporate relations at Precise Systems, Payne spends her time outside of the office actively working to make her community better. Whether it’s buying local and supporting small local businesses, coaching youth field hockey, or organizing a 5K for Foundation 4 Heroes, she’s always looking for ways to get involved and support causes that inspire her. Payne also dedicates her time to helping individuals write and enhance their resumes. She guides them through the process of applying for a job and acing the interview. “This has brought me some of the biggest personal wins,” Payne said. “Helping be a part of something that’s bigger than yourself will deliver happiness in your life.”
That approach makes it no surprise that Payne volunteered to be the lead advocate for Leadership Southern Maryland’s (LSM) Housing and Human Services session. A 2015 graduate of the Executive Program, Payne credits her LSM experience with helping her to build self-confidence and wisdom while becoming a more well-rounded leader. “I had the opportunity to get to know myself a little better by exploring my motivation to lead and to test my level of self-confidence, my emotional intelligence, and other qualities that are needed to become a good leader,” she said. She also appreciated the opportunity LSM gave her to “network with other regional leaders, share challenges and accomplishments, and make a new support net for the future.”
Payne has kept strong ties with LSM over the years, serving as a program session advocate on more than one occasion. “My favorite memory is of the year after I graduated with the “Best Class Ever” and assumed the role of Housing and Human Services day advocate,” Payne said. “I was so nervous about the agenda, speakers and how the students would take to the day I had planned.” The day was a great success and Payne continues to build on that experience to offer a session this year that will engage the Class of 2019 and open their eyes to housing and human services in the region. “It was very special to me to share my passion for helping others in that forum,” she said.
Payne’s other passions include supporting and watching her daughter play volleyball and competitively dance. She also enjoys “glamping” with her family and has recently taken up the hobby of home staging as she moves through the process of designing her new home.
