Payton joined Fifth Down in 2026. Prior to Fifth Down, Payton was a Senior Associate on the Investor Relations team at Charlesbank Capital Partners, where she supported the firm's fundraising efforts and managed investor communications, reporting, and ongoing relationships. Before Charlesbank, Payton worked in capital formation at H.I.G. Capital and began her career in investment banking at Guggenheim Partners. Payton earned her Bachelor's degree in Economics from Williams College.