Dayne was born and raised here in Flint. He attended Flint's public schools from kindergarten at Freeman Elementary through to his graduation from Flint Central High School. At Michigan State, he worked as a community organizer with AmeriCorps in north Lansing. He knows the common struggles families here face, but Dayne also knows that people in Flint have the skills and the dedication to make change. Dayne and his wife Carrie want their sons, who are the 5th generation in his family to live in this great city, to experience Flint as a vibrant place of opportunity.
 

A Hard Worker
Growing up in Flint, Dayne learned that it is hard working people who have made this city what it is today. His parents, both lifelong educators, are his role models. They showed him that when you receive an opportunity, you have a responsibility to work hard to make it mean something. From his job as a lifeguard at Bluebell Beach to his work with the Urban Coalition and National Voice, he has shown the courage to face tough challenges for the sake of the community.

A Public Servant
Dayne has learned from the best teachers across the globe. He knows that leadership starts with listening. Just this past fall, he worked on President Obama's campaign as a regional coordinator based in Flint. When he's career began with Washington, D.C.'s mayor Anthony Williams, he worked with neighborhood and church groups to coordinate grants and partnerships that created over 30 million dollars in economic, education, and housing funds for the local community. In Flint, Dayne is active in the Flint River Watershed Coalition, the Neighborhood Roundtable, the Flint Community Schools, and with his church, Court Street United Methodist Church.

A Business Owner
Dayne currently is the owner and manager of 21st Century Performance--a Flint-based company that works with non-profits and businesses to develop cost-effective solutions that provide long-term sustainability and immediate impact. He has managed large multi-state projects, but he also knows what it takes to spark innovation. He was the first Executive Director of Flint Club, a membership network of hundreds of people who care about Flint. Dayne worked for the Genesee Institute at the Genesee County Land Bank to develop new ways for citizens and community groups to be involved in redevelopment. As Mayor, Dayne will work with all of Flint's citizens to develop jobs, rebuild neighborhoods, and improve the schools.