The City of Martinsville has officially appointed Eric W. Payne, Esq. as the City Attorney Designee, a decision made during a Special Call session of the Martinsville City Council on August 15, 2024.



Currently practicing law in Washington, D.C., Payne will assume the title of City Attorney once he is admitted to the Virginia bar. He will also take on the role of Acting Managing Director of Development until that position is permanently filled.



With over 30 years of extensive legal and government experience, Payne is recognized for his integrity, leadership, and strong commitment to public service. His impressive career includes key positions such as Director of Contracts for the District of Columbia’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration Bureau, and a senior role at the Chicago Housing Authority.



Martinsville looks forward to the expertise and dedication Payne will bring to the city's legal affairs and development initiatives.