2023/24 Board of Directors
Ryan Hayes is passionate about the arts and has been intimately involved in numerous arenas of the performing arts world. His wide breadth of professional experience in the corporate, non-profit, and philanthropic spheres serves as a fuel for this passion.
Currently, Ryan runs the client event and engagement programs for Covington & Burling, Washington›s largest law firm. Previously, he served as the Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships for RedPeg Marketing and, simultaneously, Executive Producer of Chance for Life, a dynamic charity benefit for pediatric cancer research. In just three years, he raised over $2.8 million to benefit Children’s National Hospital Foundation. Prior to that, he served as Director of Events and Partnerships for Shakespeare Theater Company. Ryan is a former Washington Ballet Jete Society board member and has served on various boards and advisory committees for, among others, Shakespeare Theater, Woolly Mammoth Theater Company, Chamber Dance Company, and TheaterWashington. With 20+ years of experience in arts management, public relations, marketing, and event planning, Ryan relentlessly searches for explosive solutions to foster deep engagement within thriving arts communities.
Ryan is a proud graduate of American University where he was the founder of the AU in Motion dance company and recipient of the prestigious Evelyn Swarthout Hayes Award (no relation) for his significant contributions to the university.
