Mark Payne

Mark Payne has a diverse work experience background, primarily in the healthcare industry. Mark started their career as an Associate in the Health Law Section at Turner, Enochs, Sparrow, Boone & Falk. Mark then worked as an Assistant Corporate Counsel at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, where they provided legal advice and participated in contract negotiations. Mark subsequently held roles as Director of Legal Services/Assistant Secretary/Associate Regional Counsel at Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of North Carolina, Deputy Commissioner of the Managed Care and Health Benefits Division at the North Carolina Department of Insurance, and Senior Counsel at CIGNA Healthcare.

In 2004, Mark joined Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina again, this time as Vice President and Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer/Chief Regulatory Counsel/Senior Counsel. Mark developed and administered the Ethics & Compliance Program and was involved in legislative drafting and advocacy. Mark then served as General Counsel at Edgecombe Community College, where they provided legal counsel and reviewed contracts on behalf of the institution.

Most recently, Mark worked at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, first as Chief of Staff and later as Director of the Division of Health Service Regulation. In these roles, they made key operational decisions, provided strategic direction, and drafted correspondence for the Secretary. Mark was also responsible for licensing and inspection of health care facilities and investigating complaints about care rendered.

Throughout their career, Mark has demonstrated strong legal expertise and leadership skills in the healthcare field.

Mark Payne attended Covenant College from 1975 to 1979, where they earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with Certification in Secondary Education. Mark then went on to study at Samford University from 1979 to 1982, obtaining a Juris Doctorate degree.