Kerry Hayes founded Coeo in 2021 after serving as Chief of Staff at the City of Chattanooga.

Kerry’s career as a communicator and strategist includes senior leadership roles in agencies large and small, experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, and successful consulting engagements for scrappy start-ups and venerable institutions alike. His public affairs campaigns and strategic guidance on earned media and content creation have helped build audiences, raise funds, and influence legislation for brands, businesses, and causes around the country.


Over the course of his career, Kerry has worked with major corporations, small businesses, philanthropic foundations, schools and universities, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups who want to make their communities more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous.


Kerry and his partner Stacey live in Chattanooga’s Hill City neighborhood with their two dogs, Watson and Ollie. Kerry is a proud Board member of the Sycamore Institute and WTCI-TV, as well as the current Chairman of the Chattanooga Industrial Development Board. Connect with Kerry on Bluesky, Instagram, or LinkedIn.

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