With nearly 50 years of experience in public service, education, and non-profit and religious leadership, Larry Payne is the go-to person to get things done in the city of Houston. An author, philanthropist, and probably on every former Houston mayor’s speed dial, Larry heralds himself as a voice for the voiceless on issues of race, culture, education, and civic engagement. He likes to fish, play golf, chess, and occasionally the Congo drums, Larry is happily married and is proud of his 14 godchildren.