Payton Heins serves as the Policy Specialist for the Michigan Office of Rural Development, coordinating with state and federal partners on policy development to improve outcomes in rural communities across Michigan.

Heins previously served as the Director of Michigan Initiatives for the Center for Community Progress, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping local, state, and federal leaders craft policy and program solutions to foster equitable revitalization in communities. There, she led community technical assistance, research and education, and policy work throughout Michigan. Heins has also worked for several Michigan-based nonprofits, managing housing assistance programs, delivering small business support, and building organizational capacity.

Heins holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and Policy from James Madison College at Michigan State University and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Michigan. She is a certified Housing Development Finance Professional and licensed realtor.