Leslie Hayes knows how Washington works. The consummate Washington insider, she is as widely known in the meeting rooms of Congress and the White House as she is in the boardrooms of corporate America. Leslie’s more than 20 years experience in the event-based public affairs arena provides Hayes Group LLC with the strategic insight necessary for success in Washington DC’s ever changing environment.

On a daily basis, Leslie works with the decision-makers who make Washington run...whether that work includes organizing an event for the Senate Majority Leader at the Republican National Convention, coordinating the first internet uplink from the East Room of the White House for Hillary Clinton, creating events attended by the President and Vice President of the United States, or hosting functions attended by more than half of the entire United States Congress.

Leslie Hayes’ list of clients have ranged from personal philanthropists and such major corporations as the National Broadcasting Company, Lockheed Martin, Discovery Communications, General Electric, and Pfizer ...to charitable and non-profit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity International, March of Dimes, National Wildlife Federation, TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors), the National Defense University Foundation, America’s Promise, the Girl Scouts of USA, the American Red Cross, the Washington National Cathedral, the USO, and National Trust for Historic Preservation, among a long list of others. Leslie orchestrated the opening of the National First Ladies’ Library in Canton, Ohio, developing a strategic plan, creating a corporate identity, developing Board and State First Lady committees, leading the corporate fundraising effort, and overseeing the development and implementation of a series of opening activities and the creation of an annual awards program. Leslie has overseen the management of multiple events at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions during each of the last five presidential election cycles and designed and directed eight major events within a period of two days during the most recent Presidential Inaugural. Over the years, Leslie has worked in all of Washington, DC’s preeminent event spaces, including all of the Smithsonian Institution’s major museums.

A native of Louisiana, Leslie is a graduate of Tulane University and a founding partner of the South’s largest woman-owned video production company. Leslie began her work in Washington public relations over twenty years ago. She has served as Co-Chair of the Steering Committee for the International Clubs and the International Neighbors Clubs of Washington, DC (the spouses of Members of Congress, Ambassadors, Supreme Court Justices, and the Presidential Administration), and on the boards of the National Osteoporosis Foundation and The Congressional Club. She is currently on the advisory boards of the US Capitol Historical Society and ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists). Leslie lives in McLean, Virginia with her husband, a former Member of Congress.

Contact Leslie Hayes: lhayes@hayespr.com

As President & CEO of the newly cast Hayes Group, LLC, Ms. Tran ably ushers in a new era of specialized development and events management for clients both in and outside of the Beltway. Combining business acumen with a tech savvy-approach to each Hayes' client, Ms. Tran has an unwavering commitment to client satisfaction and a thorough understanding of the market and the players. Ms. Tran is uniquely positioned to ensure that the Hayes legacy not just endures - but flourishes.

Jenny Tran was Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner of Hayes & Associates, and has learned the business from the inside out. Working hand-in-hand with Founder, Leslie O. Hayes for the past eight years, Ms. Tran has developed an expert knowledge of how Washington works and what makes a good event great.

Ms. Tran is an "on the ground" executive - intimately involved with the day-to-day management of each client contract. She is not just familiar with Hayes' clients individual needs, but thoroughly understands what is needed to produce a world class experience for each of them. Ms. Tran has, herself, personally overseen large scale events such as Capital Concerts' Memorial Day Concert and "A Capitol Fourth" and is personally present to oversee all aspects on each client's event day. A graduate of Marymount University, Ms. Tran has a strong background in both the for profit and non profit worlds. She resides in Woodbridge, VA with her husband and three children.

Contact Jenny Tran: jtran@hayespr.com

Promoted to Vice President of Special Events in June, 2012, Wendy Salt is one of Washington's premiere event planners. Bringing over 20 years of event-management and logistics experience to the newly launched Hayes Group, LLC, Ms. Salt expertly oversees the inception, planning, and execution of each Hayes event. She combines a lifetime of professional catering experience, a detailed eye and precision planning, ensuring that each Hayes event is a world class experience.

An expert in producing high-level, large-scale galas, luncheons, Capitol Hill events, symposiums and conferences, Ms. Salt is expertly versed in serving for-profit, nonprofit, military and private sector clients. A qualified Cordon Bleu chef and a self declared "foodie", Ms. Salt has the experience of having approached event planning from different perspectives - this combines together to give her the specialized knowledge necessary to make each Hayes event unique, impressive, and memorable.

Since joining Hayes in 2006, Ms. Salt has supervised the planning and execution of numerous Hayes events including the National Medal of Honor Day Events, March of Dimes Gourmet Gala, Center for Global Development's Embassy Progressive Dinners, the U.S. Army Women's Foundation Army Women in Transition Symposium and Hall of Fame Luncheon, National Defense University Foundation’s American Patriot Award Gala, TAPS Honor Guard Gala, the Mardi Gras King’s Luncheon, Presidential Inaugural Celebrations, and the University of Virginia’s Jefferson Innovation Summit - to name but a few. Each and every Hayes event benefits from Ms. Salt's close attention to detail and commitment to ensuring each client is extremely satisfied on-site.

Wendy was born and educated in the United Kingdom but spent her childhood in South America, West Africa, and South Yemen following her father in his role as a British Diplomat. Her catering career allowed her to travel extensively throughout Europe until 1999 when her husband’s career brought her to the US. They, along with their three children, have now made Falls Church, VA their home.

Contact Wendy Salt: wsalt@hayespr.com

Cheryl Andrews joined the Hayes Group with an eclectic background in program coordination, administration, teaching, and research. She brings with her the ability to assess the communication and operational needs within the organization and facilitate coordination of effort so that Hayes staff can maximize their signature hands-on personalized service to clients. Cheryl’s warmth and enthusiasm for life, and her passion for positively impacting the team she serves and the lives she touches are valuable assets to the Hayes Group organization.

At Hayes Group, Cheryl plays a key role on the new business development team, and facilitates communication with clients during all phases of their engagement with Hayes. She has also coordinated and participated as event planner, fundraiser or administrative support in a variety of special events including the Congressional Club’s First Lady’s Luncheon, The Women in Military Service for America Memorial Foundation’s Salute to WWII Women, Acadian Ambulance Service’s Congressional Crawfish Boil, the International Neighbors Clubs of Washington Steering Committee events and Directory, Washington Mardi Gras King’s Luncheon and The Boeing Company’s Memorial Day Pre-Concert Reception.

Before joining the Hayes team, Cheryl served as Congregational Care Coordinator at Trinity United Methodist Church in McLean. There she implemented strategies to assimilate newcomers and prospective members into the active life and membership of their congregation, and maintained a database of parishioner interests and talents to meet the pastoral care and program needs of the congregation and community outreach programs. Other experiences included coordination and support for a capital campaign, a membership development task force, and numerous weddings, funerals and baptisms.

With a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from The George Washington University, Cheryl’s experiences also include laboratory research, writing and editing articles for publication in medical journals, as well as management of a pediatric speech and language therapy caseload in public and special education schools. She continues to serve as a speech pathology resource to the New Voice Club of Northern Virginia, a support group for survivors of laryngeal cancer, and volunteers as an ESOL teacher of English to adult speakers of other languages. Cheryl resides in Falls Church, Virginia.

Contact Cheryl Andrews: candrews@hayespr.com

Mary Bernhard joined the Hayes team in 2001 assisting on an as needed basis at various events while still employed full time as a government relations professional for a chemical industry trade association.

Mary is an Ohio native with a long career in government relations that includes several years working on Capitol Hill. Following retirement in 2007 Mary now is enjoying a second career with Hayes Group working part time. Her previous Capitol Hill experience provides valuable assistance to the Hayes team in reaching out to Members of Congress, Administration officials, congressional staff, companies and trade associations on behalf of clients.

She is a graduate of Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan with a degree in business administration. She moved to Washington after college to join the staff of former Congresswoman Martha Griffiths (D-MI). Mary resides on Capitol Hill and is engaged in volunteer activities including serving on the Board of Directors of the Family Mental Health Institute and coordinating an annual holiday gift bag project for less fortunate senior citizens.

Contact Mary Bernhard: mbernhard@hayespr.com

Stephanie Cifuentes has an eclectic background in communication, marketing and fundraising cultivated at some of the nation’s top non-profit organizations and associations.

Stephanie’s expertise in project management and stellar client relations has afforded her very positive feedback from former clients and colleagues. Sample past projects include securing more than $2.2 Million in critical funds for a variety of non-profit clients, including U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress, U.S. Army Women's Foundation, Habitat For Humanity International, National Wildlife Federation, March of Dimes, QL+, and ThanksUSA.

Stephanie’s energetic approach makes even the 11th hour of any project seem effortless. In her spare time, Ms. Cifuentes plans events and provides marketing strategy for small groups and a variety of causes on a volunteer basis, and currently serves on Radford University's Alumni Board of Advisors for the School of Communication.

Stephanie resides in Loudoun County with her husband Marco and their two dogs Turbo and Louie.

Laura Friel is a development and management professional with over 12 years of non-profit management and fundraising experience. In her work with several major trade groups, Laura has mobilized volunteers, staged comprehensive strategy and fundraising reviews, and managed the day to day operations of several foundations. She is a gifted writer, speaker and event strategist who has quickly become a valued member of our team.

As the main point of contact for the ABA's Housing Partners Foundation, Laura planned and executed the fundraising for HPF's annual support of Habitat for Humanity and the ABA's Annual Convention Home Build. Over the first six years, Laura raised over $600,000 to support these Convention builds. In addition, Laura managed the $250,000 "Bankers Helping Bankers" program - initiated in response to Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. BHB supported the frontline staff of members in the affected region with basic household and immediate living expenses.

With the Hayes Group, Laura recently spearheaded fundraising for the Inter-American Dialogue’s 30th Anniversary Gala Celebration, successfully developing and managing a leadership committee that raised nearly $500,000 for an event that had never made more than $60,000 in previous years. She is currently managing the logistics for the 2013 Medal of Honor Day Events for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, and fundraising for the US Army Women’s Foundation.

Laura earned a B.A. (English) from George Mason University and undertook extensive graduate coursework at Georgetown University. Laura currently resides in McLean, VA with her husband and three children. Laura volunteers her time with two Girl Scout troops and serves as a chapter advisor to Zeta Tau Alpha, a 100+ person volunteer group at GMU.

Contact Laura Friel: lfriel@hayespr.com

Since joining the Hayes team in 2010, Mary Beth has provided vital assistance in areas of logistics, destination management, database research and management and onsite event troubleshooting for a variety of events including Habitat for Humanity Thanks-A-Million! Gala honoring President Jimmy Carter, TAPS Honor Guard Gala, L’Oreal For Women in Science Awards Luncheon, U.S. Army Women’s Foundation Hall of Fame Luncheon and Symposium, March of Dimes Gourmet Gala and University of Virginia’s Jefferson Innovation Summit.

Mary Beth has also played a critical role in the planning of the Military Spouse of the Year Awards Luncheon, Congressional Medal of Honor Coin presentation to Senator Daniel Inouye, as well as the 2011 and 2012 National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

In addition to coordinating events, Mary Beth works closely with Hayes Group President Jenny Tran on daily operations and billing, as well as conducting training in database management for new members of the Hayes team.

Born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, Mary Beth graduated from Radford University with a BS in Fashion Design with a concentration in Merchandising, and a Minor in Marketing.

Mary Beth currently lives in Washington, DC and enjoys spending her free time traveling, reading and cooking.

Contact Mary Beth Hayes: mhayes@hayespr.com

Building on over twenty years of experience in Washington, D.C., Katie Maness has a unique perspective on the interactions between the legislative and executive branches of government and corporate and political entities.
Most recently, Katie has managed the DC-based fundraising and development for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), ThanksUSA, the National Defense University Foundation, the Global Down Syndrome Foundation and the Friends of Adam Smith Foundation (BIPAC). In this role, clients benefit from Katie's strong background in developing strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors, developing and managing public affairs and public relations activities with a significant background in project management, outreach, coalition building and event management. This experience has resulted in financially successful events ranging from a 50-person reception at a private residence overlooking the Potomac River to large 600+ person events at national historical venues with top-name talent. Most recently, Katie spearheaded the very successful 2012 TAPS Honor Guard Gala which raised over $1.5 million for the organization.

Katie also coordinated fundraising and event planning for the Congressional Management Foundation Gold Mouse Awards that honored the best web sites on Capitol Hill. Additionally, she also met an aggressive fundraising plan for the Easter Seals of the Greater Baltimore Washington Region Advocacy Awards Dinner.

Katie served for fifteen years at the Director of Washington Affairs-Political for Union Pacific Corporation. In that capacity, Katie was responsible for orchestrating the political activities of all the companies, including management of its grassroots program and political action committee (PAC). During her tenure, Katie grew the PAC into one of the largest corporate PACs with an active political network that included corporate matching gift program for PAC participants that involved facilitating donations to nearly 400 charities.
Katie brings extensive experience in planning and executing events from small intimate dinners to large national forums. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Salisbury State University and her Juris Doctorate from George Mason University.

Contact Katie Maness: kmaness@hayespr.com

Cynthia brings to Hayes Group over 10 years of sales and consulting experience and a passion for organization. She has spent the greater part of her career selling software in various markets including financial, education, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as to independent software developers and value added resellers. Understanding a client’s requirements and developing solutions that meet their needs is just one of the many talents Cynthia holds. On the marketing support side, Cynthia has managed conferences and meetings, developed marketing campaigns, and designed schedules and agendas that allowed events to run smoothly. With Hayes Group she skillfully applies her organizational skills in managing the logistics for the United States Association of Former Members of Congress Statesmanship Awards Dinner which included both a silent and live auction.

Cynthia lives in Washington, DC. In her spare time, she enjoys international travel, running, and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Contact Cynthia Muthyala: cmuthyala@hayespr.com

As an associate director of public affairs for Hayes Group, LLC, Mrs. Myers focuses on events for military related non-profit organizations.

A military spouse for more than 40 years, Myers is continuing her involvement with the military by serving on the advisory boards for TriWest Healthcare Alliance, THANKSUSA, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), National Military Family Association, and the Board of Trustees for the Fisher House Foundation. She also serves as a co-chair for the USO Gala.

She was instrumental in establishing the “Hero Miles” program operated by Fisher House Foundation that uses donated frequent flyer miles to purchase tickets for families of hospitalized military members to visit their loved ones.

She currently serves on the Women’s Initiative Policy Advisory Council formed by Mrs. Laura Bush. In recognition of her volunteer service, Myers was appointed to the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation in February, 2006 and served through 2009.

She was a founding member and serves on the board of the Aschiana Foundation, which supports literacy training and basic medical care for street children in Afghanistan. In addition, Myers is a member of the board for MediSend and received their first Humanitarian Award in 2004. Other awards include The Spirit of the USO in 2005 and National Defense University’s American Spirit Award.

A graduate of Kansas State University, Myers remains active in support of her alma mater as a member of the Alumni Board and a Foundation Trustee.

Throughout her husband's military career, she was active in officers' spouses' clubs, serving in various board positions and as an advisor. During an assignment in Japan she proposed and spearheaded the publication of a book entitled, Obi Ties East and West, with all proceeds going to charity.

Myers holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and has served as an educator in secondary school and adult education, and worked with a national organization to promote a children's safety program.

The Myers have three children and five grandchildren.

Contact Mary Jo Myers: mmyers@hayespr.com

Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Keeley graduated from George Mason University with a BA in Integrative Studies with a concentration in International Studies and a minor in Nonprofit Management.

Throughout both high school and college, Keeley interned at a prominent Washington business forecasting publication where she gained valuable work experience. She also spent several semesters participating in internships in the development offices of several nonprofit organizations in the DC-metro area where she completed donor research and gained valuable event planning experience while working special events.

As a Development Support Officer at Hayes, Keeley focuses on conducting prospect research, maintaining comprehensive databases of prospective donors, invited guests and VIPS, and developing, proofing and distributing sponsorship materials. She creates and assembles collateral material for in-person client and committee meetings and provides solutions for on-site event logistics.

Since coming to Hayes, Keeley has supported numerous events including the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) Honor Guard Gala, The National Defense University Foundation American Patriot Award Gala, both the “National Memorial Day” and “A Capitol Fourth” concerts, and the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala. She looks forward to the many exciting events to come!

Contact Keeley Peters: kpeters@hayespr.com

Meredith brings more than 20 years of media and public relations experience to the Hayes Group. Her background includes 10 years as part of the Washington press corps with some of the top broadcast outlets in the nation’s capital. She has written and produced news for WUSA (Channel 9), WRC (Channel 4), and PBS in Washington, DC. This experience makes her an ideal choice for handling Hayes Group client press opportunities and strategically positioning them for optimal coverage and effective messaging.

Meredith loves planning events and shaping stories that position her clients as leaders in their industries. Her work as a journalist and public relations professional, has appeared in both local and national media coverage over the years. She has planned numerous successful community outreach events, developed key messaging, consulted on communications plans, and produced video news releases for clients, including Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The National SAFEKIDS Campaign, The National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA) and Massage Envy.

Over the years, Meredith has continually honed her writing and communication skills developing key messages and media training based on the needs of particular clients—both government agencies and private-sector companies—and their projects’ needs and requirements. She also has experience working with vendors to develop comprehensive and consistent marketing tools, including website and hard-copy materials for ongoing outreach efforts.

At the Hayes Group, Meredith currently provides media relations and strategic planning services for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation, the US Army Women’s Foundation, and the National Defense University Foundation.

Contact Meredith Resnick: mresnick@hayespr.com

Matt Salt is an international media and event executive who has proven ability to develop and execute critical strategic change, helping companies adapt to new techniques to drive revenue in today’s rapidly evolving competitive business environment. Matt has led change in businesses as large as Financial Times Energy and as small as the nonprofit Specialized Information Publishers Association (SIPA).

Matt was most recently executive director of SIPA, working with its 350 publisher members to stay at the forefront of new technology in marketing and social media. After consulting with the association for eight months, he converted its back end management from several fragmented databases to a new association management system and revised its marketing efforts to bring in 50 new members. He won Volunteer of the Year in 2010.

Prior to SIPA, Matt was the cofounder of The Langfords Group, a full service conference agency. At Langfords, Matt helped the program on negotiation at Harvard Law School retool its six annual programs, reducing its reliance on postal direct mail, launch its social media program and convert its attendee acquisition program primarily to email.

Eight years prior to that were spent at FDAnews where he launched a conference and advertising business, each growing to over $1 million in 18 months at a 60 percent profit margin.

At the Financial Times Matt was tasked with creating an event business for the FT Energy Group in its European division. After creating three events there, he moved to the US to manage events globally. Those events ranged from a 2,000-person trade show to a 1,000-person award dinner to 20 person events for C-level executives.

Matt’s international experience includes running multiple events on all but one continent; working in countries such as Colombia, South Africa and India certainly taught him the importance of detail, negotiation and patience.

Matt has a degree in geology from Exeter University, UK. Before moving into the information and events sector he spent four years at Haliburton, as a navigation officer and in the 3D department until moving to Ark Geophysics to specialize in potential field geophysics. He now lives in Falls Church, Virginia with his wife Wendy and three children, Laura, Will and Charlie and spends most of his spare time as an assistant scoutmaster for his son’s local Boy Scout troop

Contact Matt Salt: msalt@hayespr.com

Chris had a long and extensive career in sales and marketing with a major automobile manufacturer. Most of her years there were spent as an account manager using her business background to increase sales, improve customer satisfaction and implement marketing programs at her accounts, whether franchised or independent. She also was involved with sales to independent automotive retail chains, and worked with national corporate and government fleet managers.

Chris is a sports enthusiast and her interests include playing golf and travel, including working at golf’s major championships.

Chris is a graduate of the University of Virginia and has been a member of the Hayes team since 2007.