Franklin Payne

Franklin Payne is a dedicated professional with experience in various roles related to policy, law, and research. Currently serving as a columnist for The Daily Tar Heel since September 2022, Franklin has also gained valuable legal experience as an undergraduate legal intern at the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts, where responsibilities included conducting victim interviews and preparing case reports. Prior internships include a position in regulatory and policy affairs at Wells Fargo, as well as research on vaping prevention at the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Franklin has contributed to political campaigns, providing policy research and messaging strategies for candidates such as Hans Riemer and Jonah Garson. Franklin is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy Analysis and Political Science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, building on a foundation in public policy from Wake Technical Community College.