ANNIE PAYNE

Annie Payne, a lifelong resident of Mentor, an alumna of Mentor Schools, and a dedicated four-year member of the Mentor School Board, is running for city council to serve as a strong voice for the community. She believes in open and honest leadership, ensuring transparency in decision-making and communication.
 

Annie lives in Mentor with her husband and two children and is part of three generations of family members living in the city, reinforcing her deep-rooted connection to the community. 

Throughout her tenure on the school board, Annie has championed a new process for reviewing curriculum changes, ensuring parents receive timely updates and have the opportunity to review materials. She has also recommended and helped establish board safety liaison and curriculum liaison positions to enhance oversight and decision-making. Her leadership has led to $2.5 million in savings by identifying inefficiencies in the district’s transportation program. 

 She proposed and successfully championed the hiring of retired police officers as School Resource Officers (SROs), enhancing safety across all district facilities. This initiative led to the establishment of a board safety liaison role and the formal approval of the School Safety Officer (SSO) contract. In collaboration with school leadership and city representatives, she played a key role in securing dual sponsorship of the SSO/SRO agreement, which is currently being finalized through a memorandum of understanding anticipated for completion in July. These efforts reflect her steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Mentor’s students and staff. 

Annie’s dedication to service has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Hometown Hero Award by Platinum Real Estate in 2024, the Protecting Ohio’s Children Award from the National School Board Leadership Council in 2023, and most recently, the Woman of the Year - Millie Teuscher Award at the Lake County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner.

Beyond her public service, Annie is deeply involved in her local Mentor church, where she serves in numerous capacities, further demonstrating her commitment to family values, community, and service.

 Professionally, Annie has worked in Human Resources for a Fortune 500 company, gaining valuable experience in organizational management and leadership. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership, along with a minor and certificate in Human Resources, equipping her with the skills to navigate complex governance and fiscal responsibility. 

Her proven track record of fiscal responsibility, public safety advocacy, and transparency makes her the right choice for Mentor City Council. She is committed to preserving the beauty of Mentor, making it an attractive place for residents of all ages, while ensuring strong oversight and responsible governance for the city’s future. Her leadership experience and deep connection to Mentor drive her passion for representing the people and maintaining the city’s excellence. 

Annie’s advocacy, honesty, and transparency will seamlessly transfer to a role on city council, helping to maintain the integrity of the council and its decisions.