Emma Payne

Alumni Office, Human Development and Family Science

College's people-first approach set Payne up for success in marketing career

Major/year graduated

Human Development and Family Science, 2014

Current occupation/location

Director of Marketing, Stearns Retirement Group (Watkinsville, Braselton, and Alpharetta, Georgia)

What do you love about your current role?

What I love most about my role is the opportunity to build meaningful connections with seniors and help guide them toward a sense of peace and confidence in their retirement planning. My role lets me blend creativity with purpose, whether I'm planning engaging events like annual pickleball tournaments and educational seminars, creating social media content, or visiting with clients in the lobby.

How did your time at FACS help prepare you for your life or career?:

My background in Human Development and Family Science taught me how people think, relate, and make decisions, especially within families and across the lifespan. Now, I get to apply that lens to help retirees and their loved ones navigate one of life’s biggest transitions with clarity and confidence. Marketing is about connection, trust, and understanding what truly matters to people in their stage of life.

What does being a FACS grad mean to you?

To me, being a FACS grad means keeping a people-first mindset. My education in Human Development and Family Science taught me how to truly understand people—their needs, their relationships, and the transitions they face across the lifespan. Everything I do in my career ties back to what I learned in FACS: lead with empathy, communicate with purpose, and make a meaningful impact.