Barbara Hayes is the President & CEO of the Sacramento Area Commerce and Trade Organization (SACTO). Ms. Hayes represents the region through marketing and recruitment missions throughout the U.S. and overseas to attract quality businesses to the area and strengthen ties with companies already in the area. During her leadership of SACTO, the organization has assisted in the successful location and expansion of more than 160 companies in the Greater Sacramento Area — including Apple, RagingWire, Siemens, and Mori Seiki, to name just a few. Prior to joining SACTO, Hayes held several positions within the California Trade and Commerce Agency.

She received her degree in International Relations and Economics from the University of California, Davis. She is a member of the International Economic Development Council, California Association for Local Economic Development, Industrial Asset Management Council and Corporate Real Estate Network (CORENET). She sits on more than 10 boards and advisory councils around the region and nationally having to do, primarily, with economic and workforce development.

At our October Meeting, Ms. Hayes will discuss the industrial trends and corporate prospects SACTO is working with and what it will mean to the Sacramento Region. She will also touch on the outcomes of a regional initiative designed to create catalytic economic change and accelerate job creation and investment.