Melissa Payne

Assistant Vice President, Orlando Health; Chief Operating Officer, Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital

As chief operating officer for Orlando Health – Health Central Hospital, Melissa Payne is responsible for the daily operations of the hospital as well as providing oversight for the development of high quality and cost-effective programs and services to meet the needs of patients, physicians and team members.

Melissa joined Orlando Health in 2001 as a clinical dietitian and served as a clinical nutrition manager for nearly two decades at four Orlando Health hospitals before taking on the role of corporate director of food and nutrition services. Melissa progressed to become administrator of allied health and operational support at Orlando Health South Seminole Hospital, having a key role in the planning of the new Lake Mary facility, and then to chief administrative officer and interim assistant vice president for Orlando Health Digestive Health Institute, Orlando Health Medical Group, collaborating with service line leaders to develop and oversee strategic growth.

Melissa earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in South Carolina and a master’s from the University of Tennessee. She is a registered dietitian, previously serving as the president of the Florida Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. She also has served on the boards of the Alzheimer’s Association Central and North Florida Chapter and local non-profit HOPE Helps.