Charles Payne, Executive Director
Charles is a seasoned asset management professional with success in driving bottom-line performance in diverse (conventional and mixed income) apartment communities. Skilled in fiscal management, outreach marketing, turnarounds, multi-site operations, creating and implementing policy, training and strategic planning.
He started his career working with his family who were actively involved in developing affordable housing in his hometown of Boston, MA. A great work ethic evolved leading Charles to seek opportunities to grow his career as a property management professional in Alabama and Georgia before settling in Texas in 2004. “Texas is home!” Charles proudly proclaims.
In Texas Charles has become a strong leader who blends strategic thinking with tactical execution to deliver results to address highly complex challenges and create growth at Operation Relief Center over the past 5 years. He is an analytical problem solver who diagnoses root cause, innovates solutions and energizes team members around growth plans.
Over the course of his career he has trained several colleagues to become senior property management professionals through his counseling techniques and passion for our industry.
Due to his commitment to business and community, Charles was awarded a certificate of recognition by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for mentoring women and minority business enterprises.
Aaron Clark, Strategic Consultant
Aaron served as the CFO and Senior Administrator for Operation Relief Center from 2012 through 2015 as well as Executive Director from late 2015 through mid 2018. His primary roles were monitoring, compliance, and assisting with financial oversight to help the Non-Profit meet its expressed public purpose and objectives.
Aaron has extensive senior-level managerial experience with an accomplished career in project management, International Finance and public and private partnerships. He was a successful executive manager and business owner, having developed and run four start-ups. His last company had a record of achievement and was a well-respected and profitable consulting firm, serving the domestic U.S. and 14 international markets.
In 2012 Aaron left the for-profit world to pursue a calling as an ordained minister and now utilizes his background, broad skill set and expertise in domestic and international non-profit ministry and areas of business management, operations and development for those ministries.
Aaron is a deacon, discipleship leader and teacher at The Gathering Church in Brock TX, where he once served as a part of their pastoral staff. In his role as Sr. Pastor and CEO of Great Commission Ministries, Inc. he oversees implementation of mission initiatives, in discipleship training, humanitarian relief and sustainable missions development for the Domestic U.S. and in multiple countries around the world.
Vanessa Lopez, Community Services Director/Asset Manager
Vanessa joined Operation Relief Center, Inc. in February 2023. Before joining ORC Vanessa had a very successful career as a property management professional in the Dallas market. She managed conventional and affordable assets and found it extremely enjoyable helping families “find their new homes” in the apartment communities she managed.
Due to her ability to build strong relationships with individuals as well as agencies, Vanessa has been outstanding in creating strong and effective teams. As witnessed by her communities consistently exceeding occupancy goals and net operating income while ensuring the assets were well maintained.
When asked “which did you prefer to manage” Vanessa replied, “my passion remains with the affordable housing market”. She has exemplified such passion and commitment during her new career!
Born and raised in Laredo, Texas, Vanessa relocated to Dallas in 2003. A devoted mother of three, she looks forward to enjoying time with her family during her free time.
Vanessa brings high energy, the hunger to learn, commitment, and ability to achieve results to the ORC team and never takes the opportunity to laugh and enjoy life for granted.