The DeKalb Chamber is pleased to announce that Carlandria Hayes has been named Membership Director at the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. Hayes officially joined the organization Monday, April 18th. In this new role, Hayes is responsible for recruiting, engaging, and retaining DeKalb Chamber of Commerce members and stakeholders through strategically developed programs, events, and committees.
Hayes is a versatile leader with over 14 years of experience in strategic partnerships, program/event management, media production, and client relations. Before joining the Chamber, Hayes served as an Area Executive for Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta where she recruited and engaged troops and leaders in Bartow, Floyd, Paulding, Haralson, and Polk counties. Prior to relocating to Atlanta, she was a Partnership Specialist for the US Census Bureau in Missouri where she developed strategic relationships with local governments, nonprofits, businesses, faith-based, and educational institutions to encourage their stakeholders and the public to support the 2020 Census. Hayes also served two terms at Explore St. Louis, lastly as Director of Partnership, leading the membership team in generating over $550,000 in revenue and engaging over 800 hospitality organizations. Other companies Hayes served at include FOCUS St. Louis, St. Louis Healthy Families, and KMOV-TV. Recognitions include the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta’s Performance Award – Outstanding Project (2021), two US Department of Commerce’s Performance Awards (2020), North County Inc.’s “30 Leaders in their Thirties” Award (2013), and St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission’s Hospitality Hero Award (2007).
“We are very excited to have Carlandria join our team. Her background, skills, and unique experience in program and event management provides us with a wonderful opportunity to further serve our members and local businesses,” said Frankie Atwater, President, and CEO of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce. “Her expertise and leadership will help drive performance and increase the value of member investment, while we continue to amplify programs and services that will benefit our business community.”
Hayes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications from Middle Tennessee State University with dual minors in entrepreneurship and entertainment technology. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in digital and multimedia studies from Lindenwood University. Currently, Hayes is a board member for A Seat at the Table in St. Louis and a video team member at The dReam Center Church of Atlanta. Previously, she served as Board Treasurer for Aspenstand, a grief support facilitator for Annie’s Hope – The Center for Grieving Kids, technology committee member for the Spirit of St. Louis Women’s Fund, and a “Silver Fox” with the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Additionally, she is an alum of the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative and Our Community Listens. A native of Atlanta, Hayes spends most weekends being a tourist in her hometown with her daughter, Chakira.