CHESAPEAKE, VA, January 26, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Dr. Jacquelyn "Dr. J" Payne has been included in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Payne has established herself as a dynamic leader and entrepreneur, currently serving as the owner and Chief Executive Officer of GYMGUYZ Virginia Beach since 2023. In this capacity, she drives overall operations, client engagement, and market presence for the mobile fitness, wellness and nutrition franchise. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that services reach individuals from all backgrounds, including private, corporate, nonprofit, and government clients, as well as adaptive and special needs.

In addition to these responsibilities, Dr. Payne leads partnerships and collaborations to expand the business's impact, creates innovative solutions, and identifies growth opportunities while maintaining organizational readiness and execution at the highest level. Her vision for GYMGUYZ Virginia Beach centers on helping clients achieve peak performance and well-being, which she believes is foundational to both personal and organizational success.

Prior to her entrepreneurial venture, Dr. Payne held several key positions at CACI International Inc., where she accumulated over 15 years of experience in national security and operational management. From 2021 to 2025, she served as Business Operations Manager, a trusted adviser and advocate for executive military personnel at NAVSEA and other military commands, ensuring mission effectiveness. She spearheaded Program Management Office operations, transforming program culture by redefining PMO governance and aligning operational methods with corporate strategic vision.

From 2016 to 2021, Dr. Payne was a Program Manager at CACI International Inc., where she managed complex programs supporting national security objectives and oversaw global operations for large contracts with teams exceeding 140 members across more than 37 countries. Her responsibilities included business growth and organizational alignment — balancing P&L oversight, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships. Between 2015 and 2016, she contributed as a Project Manager, focusing on talent development, contract oversight, and strategic planning to ensure operational excellence.

Dr. Payne's earlier tenure at CACI International Inc. began in 2010 as a Six Sigma specialist, where she implemented process improvements and business process reengineering using Six Sigma methodologies until 2015. This role allowed her to develop expertise in quality management and operational efficiency.

Before joining CACI International Inc., Dr. Payne worked as Lead Electronic Technician at WR Systems Ltd. from 2008 to 2010, where she directed upgrades, testing, and integration for Navy navigation and IT systems. She also served as a Marine Electrician at Marine Hydraulics International from 2007 to 2008, supporting maritime and shipboard modernizations.

Dr. Payne's professional journey began in the United States Navy as an Interior Communications Electrician from 2004 to 2007. Her military service provided a foundation in technical skills, discipline, and leadership that would inform her subsequent civilian career supporting national security.

Throughout her career, Dr. Payne has been actively involved in industry-related organizations, including the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce, the Norfolk Women Leaders Association, and the Project Management Institute. These affiliations have enabled her to remain connected with industry trends while contributing to professional communities.

Dr. Payne's academic achievements have played a pivotal role in her career progression and impact. She earned a Doctor of Education in organizational leadership with a minor in organizational development from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix in 2020. She considers this milestone her most notable achievement, given its broad impact on her ability to develop future leaders through proven theories and strategies.

Prior to earning a doctorate, Dr. Payne earned a Master of Arts in organizational management with a focus on project management from Ashford University in San Diego in 2012, following a Bachelor of Arts in organizational management with an emphasis on project management from Ashford University in 2010. Her higher education began with an Associate of Arts in business information technology from Bryant & Stratton College in Cleveland, where she graduated in 2003.

Dr. Payne's commitment to continuous learning is further demonstrated through several professional certifications, including Certified Personal Trainer and Certified Nutritionist through the International Sports Science Association in 2025. Certified Adaptive Personal Trainer through Strong Education in 2024. She completed Negotiation Foundations and Think Like a Lawyer to Make Decisions and Solve Problems through LinkedIn in 2022. She also earned the Project Management Professional credential from the Project Management Institute in 2013 and the Certified Six Sigma Green Belt from ASQ World Headquarters in 2012.

Reflecting on her career, Dr. Payne attributes her success to unwavering drive and dedication inspired by her family's support and the kindness of influential mentors throughout her journey. Their encouragement has instilled in her a passion for giving back by sharing experiences with others, a value reflected in both her professional endeavors and community involvement.

Dr. Payne's civic engagement encompasses active participation with Milly in Motion Inc. for adaptive services since 2024. Member of the Chamber of Commerce since 2023, Operation Smile since 2023, contributions to Virginia Beach City Public Schools, and volunteer service with the Western Branch Football Booster Club at Western Branch High School, which she began in 2017. She also supports the Alzheimer's Association, Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast, and Tidewater Collegiate Academy, and has been a Red Cross blood-platelet donor since 2005.

Born in Cleveland, Dr. Payne enjoys fitness, learning new concepts, spending time with family, and practicing meditation. Looking ahead, she remains dedicated to expanding the reach of GYMGUYZ Virginia Beach with the mission of helping one million people improve their quality of life, a goal that underscores her enduring commitment to making a lasting impact on individuals and communities through health, wellness, and leadership development.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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