Nicole Payne is currently employed with Paterson Public Schools as the Director of Alternative Education and the District Disciplinary Hearing Officer. She has served in both capacities since 2014.

Initially, hired to develop and implement a new alternative school for the district of Paterson. In September 2010, Y.E.S (Youth Engaged in Success) Academy was opened, where Payne served as Principal. Y.E.S Academy was a small alternative school (appx 100 students) for students who are over-aged and under-credited, and pursuing a high school diploma.

Prior to her employment with Paterson Public Schools, she was employed for over thirteen years with the Essex County Educational Regional Commission (ERESC). She served in various roles during her tenure there from teacher to principal.

Formerly, Ms. Payne was a Board Member of the East Orange School District where she served on the facility, personnel, and fiscal committees, and represented the EOSD on the ERESC school board (county). Further she became a district leader in East Orange. As a member of Messiah Baptist Church she serves on the Trustee Board, and as an advisor for the Teen Ministry.

She is a graduate of Michigan State University, where she obtained a B.A. in Telecommunications and obtained her Masters in Supervision and Administration at Montclair State University.

She has an unyielding commitment to education and young people. She believes that the growth, development and sustainability of our communities are highly reliant on education. Education is a vehicle to provide access for better opportunities for all people. In order to mobilize and move progressively, education is a critical link.