Jennifer Payne

Jennifer Payne is a special events consultant, and owner, of The Camellia House event venue in Hattiesburg, MS. A permanent resident of Hattiesburg since 2007, Jennifer’s passion for her community has led her to serve in leadership roles for Junior Auxiliary of Hattiesburg, the Rotary Club of Hattiesburg, Partners for the Arts and the USM Foundation Board. As Chair of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission, Jennifer is committed to the HCC mission of enhancing the lives of all citizens and growing the economy of Hattiesburg through the creation and operation of high-quality attractions and experiences.

Jennifer grew up in Pearl, Mississippi and graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi, where she majored in Communication Studies. While there, her love and appreciation for Hattiesburg and its residents took root. After a two-year stint in Tallahassee, Florida where she received her MS in Higher Education Administration, Jennifer returned to Hattiesburg to serve as the Centennial Celebration Coordinator planning the 100th anniversary of her beloved alma mater.

Jennifer went on to spend the next seven years at Southern Miss in the roles of Alumni Association Associate Director of External Affairs and University Communications Special Projects Coordinator. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys traveling, attending arts events and spending time with her husband Abb and three children, Ford, Arden and Duke.