ABOUT US

The Hayes Initiative (THI) is an award-winning, certified LGBTQ-owned and operated public affairs firm at the crossroads of communications, government relations, and stakeholder management. With decades of experience in communications, crisis management, politics, event strategy, and business development, the THI team helps leaders and organizations across industries, including Airbnb, Google, City Football Group, the National 9/11 Museum, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Clinton Global Initiatives, The Related Companies, and Blade, execute major initiatives, secure media coverage, deliver events that receive global attention and navigate the complexities of politics and government. Since its founding in 2017, The Hayes Initiative has seen year-over-year growth and seven-figure revenue. THI was recently named one of City & State’s 2023 Political PR Power 50. In 2022, THI was recognized as The Stevie Awards’ PR Agency of the Year, and was a finalist for PR Week’s “Best Boutique Agency.” In 2021, we received an honorable mention from PR Week for “Best in Public Affairs.”

Our team of trusted and knowledgeable advisors know that the right connections, preparation, and a defined mission will translate to action and deliver results. We have served leaders at the highest levels including presidential candidates; members of the U.S. Cabinet, governors, and other elected officials; C-Suite executives; law enforcement officials; and high-ranking health and legal professionals. We have worked with multi-million-dollar tech companies, fast-growing small businesses, and political candidates and advocacy groups. During the pandemic, THI provided pro-bono services to small businesses, in particular New York City restaurants, to help them navigate crisis communications and government relations, while also organizing and lobbying for sidewalk cafes and PPP loans.

THI has advised clients involved in complex legal matters and managed high-stakes media relations during crises such as Bridgegate, airport security breaches, and natural disasters including Superstorm Sandy and hurricane relief efforts in the U.S. Virgin Islands. We facilitate events around the world from large conferences and galas to bilateral meetings with heads of state and executives. We have a long-standing record of securing and managing interviews with all of the major national print and broadcast outlets.

At THI, we deftly navigate high-pressure, politically sensitive, or confidential issues while demonstrating the utmost level of discretion and good judgment. As an LGBTQ-owned and operated firm, we are proud of our work in the advocacy space and are passionate about our efforts to help organizations build inclusivity in all aspects of their operations.