Kevin Payton, a native of Frankfort, has spent his entire career as a government relations professional representing interests both in the private sector and within the executive branch of Kentucky government. Kevin’s wide range of legislative and executive branch lobbying experience, particularly in the health care field, has prepared him to affect positive change from a corporate environment to grassroots human service advocacy.
After eight years as a partner in Southern Strategy Group, Kevin became a founding member of Top Shelf Lobby in 2014. Prior to joining Southern Strategy Group, Kevin served as the Legislative Director for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Kevin’s abilities to work within Kentucky’s diverse political climate contributed to many successful and progressive health initiatives achieved by the Cabinet.
In the private sector, Kevin lobbied directly for Children’s Alliance and the Kentucky Association of Regional Programs, both human service provider associations, representing membership on all issues related to Kentucky government. In addition, Kevin represented ResCare, one of Kentucky’s largest publicly traded companies and the nation’s largest provider of services to people with developmental disabilities, as its Director of Government Relations.
Kevin received a B.A. in Political Science from Kentucky State University and a Master’s of Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Louisville. He is currently a volunteer member of the Board of Directors of Prevent Child Abuse KY.