RICHELLE D. PAYNE is an award-winning communicator and expert in brand transformation, recently honored by Ragan Communications for her outstanding contributions to the industry. Her career arc spans reputation management and revenue growth, redefining the narratives for CEOs in higher education, supply chain, financial services and nonprofits, driving innovation, and elevating standards across the communications field.

As the inaugural Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing at Hampton University, Richelle spearheads strategies to amplify the institution’s global presence, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s leading universities. She is the visionary behind Hampton’s most compelling narratives, showcasing interdisciplinary solutions to society’s biggest challenges and spotlighting the work of distinguished scholars and researchers. Her efforts emphasize the transformative student experience that sets Hampton apart.

With over 30 years of expertise, Richelle has excelled in agency leadership, corporate communications, and entrepreneurship. She has guided higher education executives through pivotal moments of brand transformation and helped startups and global enterprises navigate cultural shifts, safeguard relevancy, and manage crises with precision.

As a sought-after consultant and coach, she has influenced iconic brands and organizations like the Philadelphia Eagles, Verizon Enterprise Solutions, the Obama Foundation, and LPL Financial. Before joining Hampton, she was a partner at Ascendant Group, where she drove U.S. expansion and helped the firm achieve seven-figure growth—a rare milestone for Black-owned businesses.

Richelle’s insights on diversity in public relations, media representation, business ethics, and social justice have been featured in PR Week, WHYY-FM, and WURD-FM, where she is a recurring co-host of a weekly talk radio show. Her expertise has earned her numerous accolades, including the Top Woman in PR-Change Maker award from PR News, and the 2024 Salute to Excellence award from the National Association of Black Journalists, reflecting her lifelong commitment to driving innovation and excellence in the field. She is also recognized as a Philadelphia Titan 100 and has earned accolades in social media, digital, and content marketing.

Beyond her professional achievements, Richelle dedicates her time to philanthropy. She is President Emeritus of the National Black Public Relations Society, a board member of the Diversity Action Alliance, and an adviser to the Public Relations Society of America. She holds a B.A. in English from Hampton University and an M.A. in Corporate Communication from Duquesne University. Her career is further distinguished by her Certified Communications Professional (CCP) designation from the AWC Matrix Foundation, marking her as a trusted leader in the evolving communications landscape.