John Payne

Biography

John Payne is Chief Financial Officer of Dream.Org, where he has led financial strategy and operations since 2019. With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit and for-profit financial management, including more than a decade as CFO, John brings expertise in budgeting, accounting, operational efficiency, and financial stewardship. Throughout his career, he has overseen operating budgets totaling $55 million and capital expenditure budgets totaling $5 million. He studied finance at San Diego State University and has led financial operations for organizations across the Bay Area since 1996.

Sessions

1. Financing the Build

   Fri, Nov 6, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM CT

   Track Smart Cities

   Great ideas don't build infrastructure. Aligned capital, capable partners, and clear pathways to implementation do. How do cities move promising solutions beyond pilots and into financeable, scalable projects that deliver lasting community value? Join Ryan Taylor, climate technology investor and energy finance expert, and Noble Madu, Partner at Plente Group, with John Payne, Chief Financial Officer at Dream.Org, moderating. Drawing on experience across utility-scale renewable energy, venture capital, investment management, and institutional partnerships, panelists will explore how public, private, and philanthropic capital can work together to accelerate infrastructure development. From project finance and commercialization to value capture and access to capital, the conversation examines the financial structures, strategic relationships, and investment opportunities needed to move from concept to construction—while ensuring economic returns translate into meaningful benefits for communities.