After 20 years of working as a marine scientist, Chris Payne founded Dirigo Science Connection with the goal of helping science professionals build their leadership skills and enhance relationships throughout the scientific community.

Chris has worked from coast to coast—California to Florida to New England—in the areas of marine science research, conservation, education, fisheries, and aquaculture. As a scientist, Chris knows that the technical and research sides of the work are, and should be, the priority. But that, consequently, the people operations often go overlooked.

So, after two decades honing his marine science expertise, he shifted his passion and earned a Master of Science in Leadership from Northeastern University to focus on bringing professional development opportunities to science organizations. With a Bachelor of Science in marine biology from the University of New England, Chris brings a unique combination of skills, experience, and understanding to each client he works with. He currently lives in South Portland, Maine, with his family.