The Pennrose Foundation, dedicated to elevating communities and empowering lives through affordable housing initiatives, announced the appointment of Christopher Payne to its Board of Directors, where he will serve as Secretary. Payne brings nearly 10 years of affordable housing industry experience and a deep, longstanding commitment to the Foundation’s mission to his new role.

“Chris has been a cornerstone of the Pennrose Foundation since its earliest days, contributing his time, energy, and leadership long before joining the Board. Having watched him grow the Annual Employee Giving Campaign and spearhead our most successful fundraiser to date, his appointment as Secretary is a well-earned next step,” said Mark H. Dambly, Pennrose Foundation Board President. “His marketing expertise, operational acumen, and genuine passion for the communities we serve will be invaluable assets as we continue to grow our impact.”

Currently serving as Director of Marketing for Pennrose, Payne oversees the company’s marketing strategy and leasing efforts for nearly 5,000 units of housing across six states plus the District of Columbia. Payne directs corporate marketing and communications across the enterprise. He also manages the company’s RFP and RFQ submittals, having contributed to proposals that resulted in the creation of 3,200 units and more than $1.8 billion in total development costs.

Payne has been involved with the Pennrose Foundation since its founding in 2018. Since 2020, he has led the Annual Employee Giving Campaign, a signature fundraising effort that encourages Pennrose employees to donate a portion of their paycheck to support Foundation initiatives. In 2026, Payne led the strategic planning for 20 Years in Brewerytown, a milestone community event that became the largest fundraiser in the Foundation’s history.

“Having been part of the Foundation’s activity since the very beginning, this role is a continuation of the work I’ve long been committed to,” said Payne. “From building the Employee Giving Campaign year over year to helping plan our largest fundraiser yet, I’ve seen firsthand what this Foundation means to the people and communities it reaches. I am honored to serve in a more formal leadership capacity and look forward to helping carry that mission forward.”

Payne holds a Master of Business Administration from Wilmington University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Shippensburg University, where he pursued a dual major in Marketing and Management.