In 2006, he became the Executive Director of the Alliance for Maine’s Future, a non-profit advocating public policies for a strong Maine economy. During that time, he was a weekly columnist for The Forecaster and later for the Maine Sunday Telegram, Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.

"Tony is a consummate professional who knows the MEMIC brand and culture because he helped to create it during the early years at MEMIC. I'm delighted to bring him back to MEMIC in this key role at our growing company," said MEMIC President and CEO Michael P. Bourque.
Of his return to MEMIC, Payne said, "MEMIC is a wildly successful company with a higher purpose - helping employers and employees to create a safe place to work and financial security when injuries do occur. The opportunity to help expand that mission to even more parts of the country is incredibly exciting.

"Early on, I had the opportunity to work with our recently retired president, John Leonard, one of the best insurance leaders in the business. Having recruited a talented team in every position, John has set the stage for yet another 25 years of success. Now, with Michael Bourque as his successor, who wouldn't want to be engrossed in that kind of purposeful work? I consider myself very fortunate."

Payne has taken on numerous community leadership pursuits. Currently, he is a member and former Chair of the University of Southern Maine Board of Visitors as well as a board member of Pine Tree Watch/Maine Center for Reporting in the Public Interest.

Previously, Payne has served on the boards for Atlantic Bank, Maine Education Loan Authority, The Portland Club, Cumberland Club, Institute for Civic Leadership, Maine Public Relations Council, Maine Council on Economic Education, Cheverus High School, and North Yarmouth Academy.

He also was the Chair of the Legislative Task Force to Study the State Employee Workers’ Compensation System in 1998.

Payne has been involved in politics for more than 30 years and was a GOP primary candidate in the Maine First Congressional District in 1992. In 2006, he was elected to the Falmouth Town Council and served two terms.

Payne holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Hobart College based in Geneva, New York. He is a graduate of the Institute for Civic Leadership. In 2003, he was awarded the Edward L. Bernays Award, the top honor of the Maine Public Relations Council.