Don Payne serves as the Deputy Director of the Leonard Wood Institute (LWI) and the Sustainable Ozarks Partnership (SOP).

LWI is a Missouri-based, 501(c)3 non-profit organization formed by state-led technology, economic development, and business organizations under a unique model intended to create partnerships and leverage funding to enable regional businesses and universities to address Army training and technology needs and, as a result, build a stronger regional technology base and create jobs. LWI focuses on initiating, funding, managing and participating in applied research, and building enduring capacity in the region to support Army innovation.

As Deputy Director of the SOP, Mr. Payne assist the executive director in managing a nonprofit, membership-based organization that is working in concert with Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri’s Congressional Delegation, state leaders and others in identifying and executing strategies designed to develop and implement initiatives to ensure that Fort Leonard Wood will continue to be an important and enduring installation for the Department of Defense and the nation.

Mr. Payne is a military veteran with 30 years of proven experience in the United States Army. He accomplished measurable results while leading large teams in dynamic, fast – paced environments.  Mr. Payne possess a comprehensive background in operations and resource management, personnel and risk management, performance and career counseling, and complex problem solving derived from conducting domestic and global operations in multiple countries worldwide.  

He managed risk upon multiple lines to protect assets, property, and equipment valued over $26M while meeting the expectations of subordinates, peers, and senior leadership. Mr. Payne possess extensive knowledge in change and time management.  He received multiple awards for outstanding performance and professionalism. 

Mr. Payne’s career is supported by a bachelor’s degree in security management, an associate’s degree in technologies, and extensive professional training.