We are excited to announce the hiring of Chelsea C. Hayes, SPHR, for a one-year position as the Head of Social Impact & Strategy. Hayes has acted as a consultant with the Chicago Association of REALTORS® in various capacities over the last five years. She began her role on February 15, 2024.
Hayes will be responsible for overseeing our external affairs department and developing a long-term strategic vision for the department, the diversity committee, The 77, and the Foundation. She will work with key stakeholders to increase the association’s presence throughout Chicago, further helping to ensure our communities are vibrant and thriving.
“Chelsea has a proven record of innovative thinking coupled with the ability to execute,” Michelle Mills Clement, Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®, said. “I am confident that she will further build upon our programs and harness the energy of our diverse group of volunteers to continue to make Chicago a great place to live, work and play.”
“I am thrilled to join this thoughtful and influential team that is committed to building an association where everyone experiences wellness and belongs.” Hayes said. “I look forward to working alongside The 77 and Foundation to continue addressing key systemic social issues and centering underrecognized voices.”
Hayes is also CEO at The Coaching Factory, a Los Angeles based corporate training and development firm that specializes in interactive experiences on inclusion, leadership and management. The Coaching Factory also provides counsel and executive coaching to CEOs and celebrities. Her clients include global powerhouse brands such as PepsiCo, General Mills, Morgan Stanley, Eli Lilly, Turner Construction, The Office of The Mayor of LA and Kendo an LVMH Company.
Prior to founding The Coaching Factory, Hayes was the Director of HR at the WNBA team, the Los Angeles Sparks after launching her career reporting directly to the Chief Diversity Officer at General Electric (GE). Hayes earned two Bachelor’s Degrees from Purdue University and was recently named Purdue University’s Outstanding Alumni under 35. She went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Communication from Northwestern University and is a proud member of Northwestern University’s Council of 100 – an invitation-only group of Northwestern’s top female alumna executives.