Selina Hayes

Selina Hayes is an experienced executive and humanitarian with access to strategic partners and networks across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Currently the CEO of Hayes Group International, she leads a consortium that specializes in emerging and frontier markets and is focused on cultural intelligence, security, counter terrorism, and the using disruptive technologies to deliver comprehensive solutions to unique problem sets. 

Ms. Hayes has been a senior advisor and program manager for military and civilian organizations including: the Department of Defense (DoD), State Dept, USAID, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Department of Homeland Security; and commercial entities to include the oil and gas industry. She has held a variety of positions at strategic, operational, and tactical levels in Africa and Europe spending a considerable amount of time in Africa. Ms. Hayes has experience working cultural assessments and social media products in Africa to include Nigeria, Niger, DRC, Mali, Somalia and parts of the Middle East, working with SOCOM, EUCOM, AFRICOM, the TSOC’s, and Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (JTFHOA). She has provided technical assistance on matters related to counter-terrorism, stabilization and reconstruction, economic development, governance, humanitarian assistance, security sector reform, interagency coordination, and other post conflict “nontraditional security assistance” programming needs.

Outside of the corporate world, Ms. Hayes is the Co-founder of the nonprofit Project H.O.W (Helping Other Women) and was a board member and advisor to Invisible Children. Over the course of her career Ms. Hayes has participated in numerous civ-mil exercise and programs providing for a unique perspective and blend of effective humanitarian work with a detailed understanding of military, State Department, and security organizations.

Prior to forming Hayes Group, Ms. Hayes was the Director for International Business Development for SRA International, running their MENA Program where she was responsible for building over $900M in business. Prior to, Ms. Hayes worked at the Embassy of Australia and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington DC.

Ms. Hayes has traveled extensively and originates from Sydney, Australia. She has a B.A. International Relations from George Washington University, International M.B.A. University of San Diego, and M.A. International Relations.