Long Island educator Clyde I. Payne, has been elected chairman of the Board of Directors of Southside Hospital. Dr. Payne has been a member of the Board since 1975.

"I am delighted to turn over the reins to Dr. Payne," said Henry L. Hackman, the outgoing Board chairman. "Dr. Payne has been deeply involved in the greater Long Island community for many, many years, and his leadership and experience are invaluable."

"Chairman of the Board is an exceptionally important position and I look forward to welcoming Dr. Payne to this role. Dr. Payne’s integrity, experience and commitment will be vital to the Hospital’s success as we move forward with our ambitious plans for the future," added Michael L. Nolan, Southside Hospital’s president and CEO.

Currently Dr. Payne is the associate provost of Dowling College, Oakdale, but he has been an important part of Long Island’s education community for many decades, serving as a principal at the high school, junior high school and elementary school level, and as a teacher and consultant. Before coming to Dowling College, Dr. Payne was the interim assistant superintendent of schools for curriculum and instruction in Wyandanch.

In the photo, Lisa Francois and Katie Conti welcome Spongebob Squarepants to the LIFETEEN goldfish toss booth at the Lindenhurst Spring Fest held recently. Despite threatening skies, almost 500 fish were won.

Dr. Payne began his career as a mathematics educator and still serves on several mathematics education boards. He is a member of the New York State Mathematics Regents Committee, and a member of the New York State committee that sets criteria for competence in mathematics. He also is a member of the Advisory Board for Teacher Centers, and holds leadership positions in many other national and local education organizations. Dr. Payne received his doctorate in education from Indiana University, where he also earned his master of arts in education.

He is a community leader, serving not only on Southside Hospital’s Board of Directors, but as a warden of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bay Shore and a member of its Vestry. Dr. Payne is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Dowling College.

He is married to Constance Payne, and is the father of two daughters, Monica Payne and Michelle Jones and a son, Marc. Dr. Payne and his wife live in Oakdale.

In the photo, Dr. Payne, center, receives the gavel from Immediate Past Chairman Henry L. Hackman, left and Hospital President and CEO Michael L. Nolan, right.