Payne holds a BA in journalism and a MA in political
science from Texas A&M University; and an MBA in finance from Southern Methodist
University. He has represented major Texas universities in the marketing of their
intellectual property in a wide range of technologies, to include image processing,
oil exploration, and advanced materials. He was also the lead professional in the
Southwest Region for the intellectual property consulting service of a Big 4
professional services firm.
Payne is a New York Times bestselling author whose techno-thriller novels include
Storming Intrepid, Thunder of Erebus, Black Cipher
and Forbidden Summit. His works have been translated in seven languages.