Richard William Hayes is the Chief Executive Officer and managing partner of Digital Lightbridge^®. Hayes founded the creative digital agency in early 2001 and remains faithful to its mission of helping companies achieve their business objectives through strategic marketing solutions. Richard is responsible for managing the firm’s day-to-day business operations, as well as sales, and delivering exceptional client service.

Richard has over 30 years of experience in advertising and marketing, having held executive positions with Fortune 500 companies and several major communications businesses. Past positions include Chief Operations Officer for Inteledigm Communications, a web development company; Vice President of Cortex Communications, a leading medical education firm; Senior Project Manager and Creative Director for TechData Corporation (TECD); and creative leadership positions with The Tampa Tribune (MEG) and several innovative advertising agencies.

Richard is a proud graduate of LeadershipPasco and the Pasco County Citizens' Academy. Senator Mike Fasano presented Hayes and Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco with “Good Scouter Awards” from the Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. He was twice awarded the “Business of the Year High Impact Award” by Somebody Cares Tampa Bay. Richard has also been a two-time recipient of C12 Tampa Bay's “Member of the Year Award” and Servant Leadership Awards. He was bestowed the “Hero Award” by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Hayes co-founded and published a national Christian leadership publication called TwoTen Magazine. The publication has featured a wide variety of leaders, including Coach Tony Dungy, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, best-selling author Dave Ramsey, Dr. Ben Carson, Duck Dynasty’s Willie Robertson, Shannon Bream of Fox News, Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, David Green founder of Hobby Lobby, Dina Dwyer-Owens of The Dwyer Group, Ben Watson of the New Orleans Saints, and award-winning country music singer Josh Turner.

Hayes is active in his community, currently serving on the Board of Directors of Feeding Pasco’s Elderly as Treasurer, New Harvest Missions International, and CXPA Cancer Foundation, and as an advisory board member for Pasco County Libraries, Marchman Technical College, Abe Brown Ministries, ICDM, Tampa Port Ministries, and a current committee member of CBMC’s Annual Tampa Bay Leadership Prayer Breakfast, Light Up The Night Tampa Bay, The Human Trafficking Foundation, and Jeepin 4 Justice. He is a member of the Westshore Alliance, Christian Chamber of Commerce of Tampa Bay, Gideons International, and The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Richard has also held leadership positions with the Magnolia Valley Fire Department, where he served for five years as a firefighter, board member, and training officer.

Richard and his exquisite wife Nikki, live in Dade City (North Tampa Bay, Florida). They are the proud parents of five, way-above-average, children. The Hayes’ are child-welfare advocates and human-trafficking abolitionists.