The AMA Foundation has announced that Barkley Payne, executive director, has stepped down to accept a leadership position with the philanthropic nonprofit Invest in Others Charitable Foundation, effective February 13.

Payne joined the AMAF in 2014 and has been instrumental in strengthening the Foundation’s fundraising and programmatic portfolio. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations, grant-making programs and financial health of the AMAF in support of community health initiatives and medical education and leadership programs.

Under his steadfast leadership, the AMAF has added numerous donor-funded scholarships and awards to its Physicians of Tomorrow and Excellence in Medicine programs, established a Leadership Development Institute for rising medical students and most recently, launched the National LGBTQ+ Fellowship Program, a transformative initiative that aims to provide enhanced physician training, education and cultural sensitivity while bringing awareness to the health care and institutional barriers faced by LGBTQ+ and intersecting communities. To date, the consortium is comprised of the inaugural institution University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Harvard Medical School affiliated hospitals in collaboration with Fenway Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

“The AMAF Board of Directors is extremely grateful for Barkley’s many tremendous accomplishments over the past eight years,” said Dr. William Sternfeld, president of the AMAF Board of Directors. “His impact has been profound in many ways and his commitment to the Foundation’s mission has helped inspire countless medical students, physicians and communities. We wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.”

Payne will serve as the executive director role at Invest in Others, a foundation that amplifies the philanthropic work of financial advisors and investment firms who support nonprofits within their communities. Since its founding in 2006, Invest in Others has awarded more than $5 million to more than 500 charities across the country.

“I want to thank the Board of Directors – past and present – for this most AMA-zing opportunity to work together to improve our nation’s health. Partnered with an incredibly talented and hard-working staff, over the past eight years. we have truly taken the AMA Foundation to the next level of success,” stated Payne.

The AMAF Board of Directors will execute a national search to fulfill the executive director vacancy. Sandi Smith, director of development and principal gifts, will serve as interim executive director.