Ivory D. Payne

Ivory D. Payne Chief Executive Officer / Publisher

Ivory D. Payne is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a proud Scotlandville Senior High School graduate. He is an alumnus of Southern University A&M College (Baton Rouge), studying Architecture and Art.

Presently, he is Chief Executive Officer / Publisher of the Baton Rouge Weekly Press, LLC., Baton Rouge oldest African American-owned weekly newspaper, now celebrating over 45 years of service, and Leaders Publications, a company dedicated to publishing coffee table style directories that celebrate the African American excellence past and present. As a CEO and Publisher, he serves non-profit organizations, small businesses, and churches. Payne is also the president of the Louisiana Black Publishers and Media Association.

Ivory Payne is a graphic designer with 20+ years of professional experience. He has a vast knowledge of diverse design skills and graphics art. His knowledge base spans as a professional expert in Adobe Creative Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Payne’s experience covers an expanded number of positions, such as Architectural Consultant, Architectural and Civil Drafter (Columbus, OH), a Print Production Manager for The Communicator News and The Columbus Post Newspapers, Urban Trendsetter News Magazine, Purpose Magazine, This Week Newspapers (Columbus, Ohio) and Senior Graphic Designer for Who’s Who in Black Publishing Company (Columbus, Ohio).

Ivory has accomplished numerous milestones during his career. These accomplishments include Publisher/Founder of the faith-based news magazine the Praise Reporter in tri-cities: Columbus, Ohio, Jacksonville, Florida, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Among various accolades he has received during his career, he is the owner of the four-time nominated Stellar Award internet gospel radio station of the year, 247PraiseRadio.com, with a growing listenership of thousands daily.

Mr. Payne is an ordained pastor. He is the Assistant Pastor of Greater New Birth Full Gospel Fellowship under his esteemed father/mentor, Bishop Ivory J. Payne. Payne is a humble, noteworthy champion for the Black News Media in Louisiana. He is a proud father, an outstanding role model, and an advocate for preserving the Black Press.