About UMGC

Blair Hayes, PhD is ombudsman, vice president and chief diversity officer at UMGC. He joined UMGC following a career spent leading diversity initiatives, researching best practices, and developing programs to support climate and cultural change. A recognized thought leader in the fields of diversity and equal employment opportunity practices, Hayes has worked for Booz Allen Hamilton, managing demographics and analytics and leading the firm-wide Board Diversity Initiative. As a diversity consultant, he has worked with clients across the Federal workforce to expand their EEO policies and procedures and to improve their human capital offerings. Earlier, at Temple University, Hayes worked at the Institute for Survey Research, where he served as lead researcher on the SMART Memory Program, focusing on improving memory and cognitive function in senior citizens throughout Philadelphia. This work formed the basis for his innovative workshops and approaches to supporting generational diversity in the workplace.

Hayes holds a BA in psychology from Morehouse College and an MA and PhD in social/organizational psychology from Temple University. His research focused on gender and racial dynamics in the workplace. He has earned numerous awards and commendations for his work and commitment to diversity and cultural change.