Melvin B. Payne, a Willow Grove resident and president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., has been featured in a Marquis Who’s Who biography.
The selection was determined by factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field.
Mr. Payne is also a 1966 graduate of Cheltenham High School where he was a member of the football and track and field teams and involved in student council.
From the biography:
Mr. Payne has built up a distinguished career as the president of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., where he has been instrumental in establishing financial and strategic objectives to preserve the legacy of the Tuskegee airmen and airwomen. His leadership extends beyond mere administration; he actively supports aspiring young professionals in STEM fields and facilitates educational pursuits through scholarship funding. Under Mr. Payne’s guidance, the organization has successfully identified and honored families of Tuskegee airmen and airwomen with the Tuskegee Airmen Congressional Gold Medal Replica. Additionally, his role as a business owner and consultant at Knowledge and Success Inc. underscores his commitment to introducing students to diverse career paths in STEM and beyond.
Before dedicating his efforts to the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., Mr. Payne embarked on a varied career that spans several industries. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found CoubaTravel LLC, a company specializing in group, missionary, and cultural travel, alongside his wife. Mr. Payne’s consultancy work with the Philadelphia Math and Science Coalition since 2008 further exemplifies his dedication to STEM education. His management skills were showcased during his tenure as a project manager with the Life Science Career Alliance and as a project director for DVIRC. Mr. Payne’s corporate journey includes such significant roles at vice president of sales at Comcast Corporation, as sales director and manager at MarketSource, and a lengthy tenure at ATandT Inc.
Mr. Payne’s professional achievements are complemented by his academic background. He received an associate degree in business administration from Peirce College in 1980, followed by Bachelor in Business and Business Administration from Thomas Jefferson University in 1984. Mr. Payne earned a Master of Business Administration in marketing from La Salle University in 1986. These academic credentials have been pivotal in his success across different ventures.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Payne is actively involved in civic associations. He serves as a board member of the Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Society Inc., reflecting his commitment to global outreach. Mr. Payne’s contributions have not gone unnoticed; he was named president of the year for the Eastern Region of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. and has earned multiple awards celebrating his excellence in sales performance.
Outside of his career, Mr. Payne enjoys exploring new destinations and cultures alongside his wife. He is also an avid collector of paintings and art-related items. Driven by a desire to pay forward his own success, Mr. Payne is committed to extending a helping hand to others on their journey toward achievement. Through mentoring efforts and sharing his wealth of experience, he aims to empower others towards success. This vision for cultivating growth and development in others stands as Mr. Payne’s enduring legacy, enabling others to become better versions of themselves.
You can also read Mr. Payne’s biography by the Tuskegee Airmen here.
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Photo: Tuskegee Airmen