Payton Mayes

Payton Mayes is the Chief Executive Officer, part-owner, and Board Member of JPI, a national developer, builder, and investment manager of Class A multifamily communities across the United States and one of the most active privately held real estate companies in the country.

As CEO, Payton focuses on setting the long-term vision and strategic direction of the company in partnership with JPI’s executive leadership team. He is particularly passionate about attracting exceptional talent and building a differentiated real estate platform driven by strong culture, disciplined execution, and long-term relationships. Payton believes that the most enduring companies are ultimately built by extraordinary teams aligned around a clear mission and shared values.

Payton has extensive experience originating and managing real estate investments across domestic and international markets. Prior to joining JPI, he served as Chief Investment Officer for DHIC Communities, a D.R. Horton company, where he was recruited to grow platforms outside of core homebuilding operations.

Earlier in his career, Payton co-founded Cephas Partners, where he partnered with The Blackstone Group to acquire a portfolio from Bank of America Merrill Lynch that was funded with over $500 million of equity and with a total enterprise value of underlying assets exceeding $4 billion. The portfolio included assets located throughout the United States, South America, and Europe.

Payton also previously served as Managing Director of Merrill Lynch Global Real Estate Principal Investments (GREPI), where he was Co-Head of GREPI Americas and Europe from 2009 to 2012 and Head of GREPI Latin America from 2006 to 2008, based in New York. He is a CFA® charterholder.

Payton graduated summa cum laude from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in Agribusiness, completing his undergraduate degree in three years. He later earned an M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance, graduating as the highest-ranking member of his class.

Payton serves his community in several ways, including Chairman of the Board of the National Christian Foundation of North Texas; Founding Board Member of Aggie Real Estate at Mays Business School; and founder, past president, and Board Member of the Northeast Tarrant County A&M Club. He is also a constant cheerleader and strategic partner of several ministry organizations. Payton and his family are active members of 121 Community Church in Grapevine, Texas.

Payton and his wife Andrea have three children: Merritt (2006), Channing (2008), and Stella (2010). Payton's upbringing on a small ranch in Coleman, Texas, provided experiences that continue to shape his values and work ethic.