Kathy Flanagan Payton

President & CEO

A Houston native, Kathy Flanagan-Payton is currently President and CEO for the nationally acclaimed Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation (FWCRC) where she oversees the implementation of the Comprehensive Community Revitalization of Houston’s Historic 5th Ward. FWCRC catalyzes resource to build and preserve an inclusive 5th Ward Community by developing places and opportunities for people to live, work, and play!  

Kathy incorporates the vision a diverse 15-member board of directors, the needs of both pioneering and new residents, community stakeholders, and acts as catalyst in fostering the collaborative efforts of an array of community service providers with a primary goal of improving the quality of life in a traditionally underserved community. All of which are achieved thru the organization’s major lines of business -Real Estate Development which includes residential and commercial rehabilitation and new construction, property and asset management; Community and Economic Development offering tools and strategies that support comprehensive revitalization and stabilization of neighborhoods to and for residents and businesses alike. Home Ownership Promotion and Housing Preservation services that increase the opportunities for affordable housing; and lastly, Arts and Culture, a balanced strategy that uses place and art to sustain the culture, invite new opportunities and celebrate the rich heritage.  

As a seasoned executive, her leadership in the field of community development allows her to contribute her talents and energy serving on other boards to include TIRZ 18, Central Houston Inc., Kinder Institute Advisory Board, The Center for Urban Transformation, and leading exciting initiatives that focus on Wealth and Asset Building for Blacks, Building Capacity for Black Women Developers, and Reducing Disparities for BIPOC families. 

As a graduate of UT Austin, Rice University’s Executive Certification in Non- Profit Management, and 2017 Neighbor Works America Executive Education Certificate from John F Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Kathy has combined her education and years of experience to establish herself as a leader in the community development industry locally and abroad, lending her talents throughout the U.S and in both Western and Southern regions of Africa.