Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes serves as the State Executive Committeeman for the Dorchester County Democratic Party. A retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, Richard spent nearly three decades in uniform leading major acquisition, research, and modernization programs, including command of satellite ground systems, aeronautical subsystems, and electronic warfare projects.

Following his military service, Richard continued his career in program management and contracting, holding senior leadership roles with ITT Corporation, Atlas Technologies, and High Purity Standards, where he specialized in contracts, compliance, and operations.

Richard has also been a longtime leader in Democratic politics. First elected Chair of the Dorchester County Democratic Party in 2010, Richard served a total of three terms in this key role including 2010, 2012, and 2022. In 2013, Richard received the South Carolina Democratic Party’s Chairman’s Award for outstanding leadership and service in recognition of his efforts to make DCDP one of the most active county parties in the state.

In addition to his political and professional work, Richard has dedicated more than two decades to community leadership through the Unitarian Church in Charleston, focusing on social justice and civic engagement. An honor graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, he also holds a master’s degree in Systems Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology.