Terrence is a dedicated 20-year U.S. Army veteran serving in Iraq from December 2006 to March 2008 where he earned the Bronze Star Medal for leading his unit and all external and internal public affairs in theater. Terrence is also a member of the esteemed Army's Sergeant Audie Murphy Club -- part of the 3% of noncommissioned officers to earn the award.
Recently, Terrence became the first African American Presidential-appointed press secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he became the longest-tenured spokesperson in the Biden-Harris administration. Terrence's expert communication skills and ease of relatability to his fellow veterans and their families helped VA rebuild trust with millions of veterans who returned or sought VA care and benefits for the first time during his 4-year tenure.
Currently, Terrence volunteers his time to many youth mentoring and veteran causes in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area.
Hayes PR Strategies
In 2021, Terrence became the first African American appointed by the President of the United States to serve as Press Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Terrence currently resides in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, with his wife Chelsey, also a veteran and the owner of a skincare company, and their daughter, Chancellor.
Terrence Hayes’ 25-plus years public affairs career serving in government, non-profit, military, and private-sectors. Terrence is the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Press Secretary at the Department of Veterans Affairs from Jan21 to Jan25, where he led VA’s earned media, marketing campaigns, crisis and rapid response communications, PACT Act communications, and served as official spokesperson. Terrence is a 20-year U.S. Army veteran serving from August 1996 to August 2016. During his service, he earned numerous decorations, most notably the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and Bronze Star Medal for his service in Iraq from Dec06 to Mar08. He is also an member of the Army’s Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. During his spare time, you can find Terrence active in the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, volunteering with youth mentoring and veterans’ causes. Terrence is a graduate of the University of Maryland Global &Troy University, earning master’s degrees in both Strategic Communications and Management with a focus on Organizational Leadership.
