Susan L. Payne, Mayor

Commissioner Susan Payne

Mayor

Phone: 575-214-0024
Term: December 2025
Email Susan L. Payne

Bio

Susan Payne and her husband Ray moved their family to Alamogordo in January of 1994.  They relocated from California because they wanted to raise their children in a safer environment. Susan's husband was not new to Otero County as his family was one of the first settlers in Weed, NM back in the mid-1800s and he was born right here in Alamogordo. They love our city and all that it has to offer.  

"It has been a great place to raise our family and now we get to watch our grandchildren thrive as well.  We enjoy going to our local high school sporting events as well as having the ability to virtually be in any part of our city in just minutes. Most of all we are excited about the future of our city and the direction we are heading. I am serving My first term as Mayor after serving as a city commissioner for District 3 for the past six years. I am the Executive Director of Love INC of Otero County, a human services non-profit organization, since 2009. My professional career includes extensive experience in accounting and non-profit management. My previous employment includes working for Mazda Motor of America in Irvine, Ca., Seeds of Life Ministries, and the United Way of Otero County here in Alamogordo, NM.  I hold a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Park University.  While I am excited about the work that I have accomplished in my community, I consider my greatest joy to be my beautiful family. My husband Ray and I have three children Jessica (husband Julian), Ray Jr. and Kimmy (husband Kobe), and 6 grandchildren, Sydney and Dane, Kennedy and Kobe, Jr and Ryan and Selena whom we are extremely proud of."

Community Involvement

  • Alamogordo Water Committee - Committee Member
  • Community Development Advisory Board - Past Member
  • National Advisory Board - Love INC National
  • Otero County Economic Development Council - Board Member
  • Vice Chair - MainGate United

Awards & Recognitions

  • Graduate - Leadership New Mexico Local Government Leadership Program
  • Graduate - Leadership Otero
  • ITA - Community Service Award
  • Love INC National - Community Service Award
  • State of New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Community Hero Award