Mark Payne

Mark Payne has served as the director of DHHS’ Division of Health Service Regulation since January 2016. He is responsible for managing the division’s operations and budget, including statewide licensing and inspection of health care facilities, emergency medical service providers, in-home care providers and entities handling radioactive materials. He also serves as the secretary of the Medical Care Commission and is responsible for staffing the State Health Coordinating Council.

Payne joined DHHS as its chief of staff in May 2013. In this role, he provided strategic business-focused direction, advice and oversight of various programs. He previously served the state as the deputy commissioner of managed care of the N.C. Department of Insurance and as general counsel for Edgecombe Community College, where he also taught business law.

Payne is an accomplished corporate attorney and compliance officer. He was the vice president and chief compliance and ethics officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.C. Payne also was employed as a senior counsel for Blue Cross, CIGNA Corporation and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of N.C. As an attorney in private practice, Payne advised several major medical centers about Medicare and Medicaid issues and represented clients pursuing Medicaid eligibility.

Payne received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, GA. He received his law degree from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. He is licensed to practice law by the N.C. State Bar.