Skip Payne

Skip Payne is a seasoned public health professional with extensive experience in emergency preparedness and response operations. Currently serving as the Director of Emergency Preparedness & Response Operations at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services since July 2019, Skip has previously held various leadership roles within the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, ascending to the rank of Captain. With a background in epidemiology and community health, Skip has contributed significantly to public health initiatives through positions such as Senior Program Officer at the Division of Intelligence, Deputy Director at the Medical Reserve Corps Program Office, and as a Consumer Safety Officer with the FDA. Educational qualifications include an ABD in Public Health: Epidemiology and an MSPH in Community Health from Walden University, alongside a BA in Management and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University.