Chair of Policy & Strategic Alignment Committee 

In his current role, Hayes oversees state and local government outreach, stakeholder and supply chain engagement, and increasing brand recognition in the Southeast to help power the US economy entirely on green energy. Prior to this role, Hayes served in the administration of former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe as Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Trade. As Deputy Secretary, Hayes advised the Governor on policy and legislative matters related to energy, telecommunications, and economic development. During his professional career, Hayes has also worked as a Public Affairs Manager for a public affairs firm based in Richmond, in the Economic Research office of a major Virginia company, and as Executive Aide to the Governor in the administration of former Virginia Governor Tim Kaine. Hayes holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science from the College of Charleston in South Carolina and a Masters of Business Administration from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois.