TEAM

We bring ideas to life

OUR TEAM

Anthony Hayes | Founder and President

Anthony Hayes has spent more than 20 years working in communications, crisis, and issue management. In 2018 he founded The Hayes Initiative (THI), an award-winning premier public affairs firm providing expertise at the crossroads of communications, government relations, and stakeholder management. Anthony has led THI to year-over-year growth and seven-figure revenues by serving clients across size and industry—including Airbnb, Google, City Football Group, the National 9/11 Museum, and Clinton Global Initiatives—and by establishing a team of trusted and knowledgeable advisors who know that the right connections, preparation, and a defined mission will translate to action and deliver results. In 2022, THI was named PR Agency of the Year by the Stevie Business Awards.

Anthony’s extensive experience working with industries from tech to non-profit to political campaigns, and his hands-on collaborations with organizations ranging from small businesses to multi-million dollar companies, have earned him recognition as one of Crain’s 2021 and 2022 Notable LGBT Executives and City and State’s 40 under 40 in New York. He and the THI team have established a one-stop shop that helps leaders and organizations execute major initiatives, secure media coverage, deliver events that receive global attention, and navigate the complexities of politics and government. Since founding THI, Anthony has led the public affairs and media relations for a number of high-profile projects, including the 9/11 20th anniversary commemoration, the launch of New York’s Excluded Workers Fund, and the campaign for New York City’s first Afro-Latina candidate for mayor. 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.

Prior to founding THI, Anthony served on Hillary For America’s national advance team where he specialized in crisis management and oversaw media logistics for economic, security, and social policy speeches; town halls, and rallies in dozens of states. He regularly briefed Secretary Clinton, President Bill Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, Senators Tim Kaine, Elizabeth Warren, and Bernie Sanders, as well as their senior staff, in preparation for media appearances, press conferences, off-the-record visits, and prime-time interviews. Much of this work required close coordination with national TV networks and the United States Secret Service. Anthony also worked closely with Secretary Clinton and Chelsea Clinton on their book tour for The Book of Gutsy Women.

As Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy at GMHC, Anthony directed the strategy and implementation of all communications, advocacy, and marketing for the world’s first and the nation’s leading HIV and AIDS service organization. Before that, Anthony was an appointed official managing media and communications for highly sensitive issues at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He oversaw all communications for 5 airports, 6 bi-state crossings, PATH commuter rail, 2 high-traffic bus terminals, the largest East Coast seaport operation, the 16-acre World Trade Center site, and a 1,600-member police force. Anthony served as a member of the executive office and advised top leadership on communications and related operations across the agency’s portfolio, and he managed strategic national media responses related to emergencies such as Superstorm Sandy and public controversies including Bridgegate.

From his integral role in the national and New York State fight for marriage equality, to helping repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, to launching the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s first Employee Resource Group (ERG), Anthony has worked throughout his career to build inclusivity into the structure of organizations. He is proud to have built his own LGBTQ-owned and operated, award-winning company, that embodies those same inclusive values.

Anthony received his BA from The New School. A native Oklahoman, he has called New York City home for more than two decades. Anthony is an extreme Premier League and Major League Soccer Fan.

Taína Borrero | Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Development

Taína Borrero’s nearly 20 years of experience in government relations, communications, nonprofit development, event strategy and execution, and business development help differentiate The Hayes Initiative (THI) as a sought-after cross-sector resource for white-glove public affairs service. Most recently, her experience earned her recognition as one of City and State’s 2022 Albany 40 under 40.

At THI, Taína has provided public affairs support to clients including the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, the New York State Department of Labor, Nuvalence, and The New York City Football Club. She also leads public affairs efforts for Blade Urban Air Mobility, and served as senior advisor on Latino Strategy & Outreach to the NY State Democratic Party. Most recently in that capacity, she worked closely on the election campaign for the first female Governor of the State of New York.

Taína also leads business development efforts at THI, helping to ensure year-over-year growth and continuing to build the firm’s roster of diverse and high-profile clients. In 2022, THI was named 2022 PR Agency of the Year by the Stevie Business Awards.

Jeffry Pennock | Vice President, Public Affairs

Jeffry Pennock recently brought his 15 years of experience in political campaigns, government, and the nonprofit sector to the award-winning Hayes Initiative. Jeffry’s expertise across industries allows him to support THI’s wide range of high-profile cross-sector clients and bridge the gap between communications, government relations, and stakeholder management — overlapping buckets that often require multiple specialists. Jeffry manages daily client deliverables around media, communications, government relations, and community relations, providing a single point of contact, firsthand knowledge, and problem-solving.

Christopher Diaz | Executive Assistant & Special Projects

At The Hayes Initiative (THI), Christopher Diaz works directly with clients ranging from tech giants to political candidates to fast-growing small businesses to support their evolving needs and execute Special Projects. He recently helped facilitate a New York City Book Launch event for Marisa Renee Lee’s book, Grief is Love, which culminated in conversation/talkback with actress Brooke Shields. Internally, Christopher supports THI founder Anthony Hayes.

JT Ennis | Assistant Manager, Media Relations

JT Ennis brings years of experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors and a passion for civic engagement to the award-winning THI team. At THI, JT advises organizations across size and sector on strategic communications objectives. Most recently, he was instrumental in facilitating the Democratic National Committee’s New York City visit as part of the city’s bid to host the 2024 Democratic convention.