In 2001, Hayes led the development of the first strategic plan for the development authority since its inception in 1991, and later that year, Fayette County was recognized as the first accredited development authority in Georgia. Under Hayes' leadership, the development authority was reaccredited by the International Economic Development Council in 2004.

Also an active member of the metro Atlanta planning community, Hayes is a graduate of the Atlanta Regional Commission's Regional Leadership Institute and is chair of ARC's Workforce Committee. He has also served as chair of both the Atlanta and regional Homebuilder's Association.

Hayes was present at GEDA's Annual Conference held in Savannah recently to receive the Volunteer of the Year award. Nearly 450 economic developers from around the state attended the conference, sharing tools and best practices to move the state forward in economic development. More than 900 members strong, GEDA is the leading professional association dedicated to enhancing Georgia's economic vitality, providing networking and professional development resources to its members and advocating public policies to support quality economic development and job creation throughout the state.