A Beacon of Leadership: Honoring Randy Hayes’ Legacy

This weekend, we lost a titan of leadership and community & economic development, Randy Hayes. His legacy, marked by visionary leadership and profound mentorship, leaves an indelible imprint not just on me, but on the entire metro Atlanta region and beyond.

When Randy hired me as the President/CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority at the tender age of 29, it wasn't for what I had already accomplished but for the potential he saw within me. With minimal experience in my toolkit, Randy's faith in me was both humbling and daunting. Our journey, spanning two pivotal tenures, was a testament to his belief in transformative leadership and the power of second chances.

Randy's leadership philosophy was deeply rooted in the power of connection and the impact of selfless service. He learned this from his time as an entrepreneur, creating and building his own development business from scratch. He was a master at bridging the gaps between elected leaders, business titans, and community champions, creating a cohesive force for positive change across metro Atlanta and locally in Fayette County. His involvement with the Fayette County Chamber and the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Atlanta Regional Workforce Development Board, and chairing institutions like Southern Crescent Technical College and Clayton State University Board of Trustees, exemplified his commitment to fostering economic growth and workforce excellence in our region.

One of Randy’s most impactful platforms for regional development was his active participation in the Atlanta LINK Trips. These excursions, aimed at learning from aspirational communities, were pivotal in shaping our strategic initiatives. Randy invited me to join him on four of these trips, each an opportunity to glean insights from cities that had masterfully navigated their way to prosperity. These experiences were not just educational; they were transformative, shaping our vision for Fayette County and influencing our approach to economic and community development.

Under Randy's guidance as Chair of the Fayette County Development Authority, we embarked on ambitious projects that redefined our community's landscape. His question at the height of the late 2000s housing crisis of, "How do we make a bigger difference in our community?" led to the master planning efforts that catalyzed significant developments, including what would become Trilith Studios and its surrounding community. This visionary project, which Randy, the FCDA Board, and I helped kickstart, transformed the economic fabric of Fayette County, showcasing the profound impact of strategic foresight and bold leadership.

Randy's mentorship was characterized by his unwavering support and sage advice. He was always there to navigate through challenges, celebrate successes, and offer a guiding hand. His belief in my potential was a constant source of motivation, pushing me to excel beyond my perceived limits and embrace the responsibilities of leadership.

Randy was a connector at heart, believing deeply in the principle of doing good for others without immediate expectation of return. His extensive network spanned elected officials, business moguls, and community leaders, yet Randy remembered every name, every face, and every story.

I recall a pivotal moment early in my career under Randy's guidance that reshaped my understanding of leadership. Despite our physical office separation, Randy expected me to keep him informed—a responsibility I initially viewed through a narrow boss-employee lens. A misunderstanding at a Chamber event led to a stern yet transformative conversation in my office. Randy emphasized the essence of partnership in leadership: clear, open communication. That lesson in transparency and trust was a turning point, teaching me the true nature of teamwork and the importance of mutual support.

For Randy, integrity and authenticity were of paramount importance. His towering presence was matched by a heart just as vast, welcoming those who approached him with honesty and purpose. He valued family above all, a principle reflected in every aspect of his leadership.

Randy's personal touch extended to the simplest acts of appreciation, like ensuring board meetings—comprised of distinguished volunteers—featured a hearty meal as a token of gratitude. This act underscored Randy's belief in thanking those who give of themselves. "They give their time," he'd say, "the least we can do is feed them in exchange."

Randy’s legacy extends far beyond the projects he led or the positions he held. It is encapsulated in the lives he touched, the leaders he molded, and the communities he uplifted. His contributions to metro Atlanta and his transformative influence on countless individuals, including myself, are a testament to his exceptional leadership and his profound commitment to service, as are the impacts he had on so many others. Those of us that worked for him, Chris, Brian, Brandt, Amanda, Emily, and those of us that worked with him as board members and partners... we are all the better for having lived for a time under the shade he cast.

Two of my favorite quotes encapsulate Randy. One is from Mark Twain: “Let us endeavor so to live so that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.” The other is attributed to many, but I best like the one from Nelson Henderson: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”

Randy is both the man all will be sorry to see gone, as everyone loved and appreciated him and the things that he did. And he kept doing those things until the end, planting trees, under whose shade he will never sit.

As I reflect on Randy’s monumental impact, I'm reminded of the power of visionary leadership and the lasting influence of genuine mentorship. Randy Hayes was more than a leader; he was a beacon of inspiration, a catalyst for change, and a cherished mentor. His legacy will continue to guide me, inspire me, and remind me of the profound difference one individual can make in the lives of many.