Bruce Payne, CEcD, AICP, currently serves as the Economic Development Director for the City of Arlington, a position held since July 2004, where responsibilities include business and industrial recruitment, redevelopment opportunities, and economic development policy issues. Previous roles include Economic Development Manager for the same city and Assistant Director of Community Development & Planning, overseeing development review and permitting with a staff of 49 FTEs. Additional experience includes Planning Director positions in Southlake and Jacksonville, Town Planner for Atlantic Beach, and various roles in community development and planning across North Carolina. Bruce Payne holds a Master's Degree in Geography and a Bachelor's Degree in Urban & Regional Planning from East Carolina University, along with military experience as a Medical Administrative Specialist in the United States Air Force.