Richard W. Hayes

Richard William Hayes is the chief executive officer and managing partner of Digital Lightbridge, LLC. Hayes founded Digital Lightbridge in 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 20 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 new-media 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 leading Tampa Bay area advertising agencies.

In 2007, he was awarded the “Business of the Year High Impact Award” by Somebody Cares Tampa Bay. Richard has also been the recipient of Tampa Bay C12 Group’s “2003 Member of the Year Award” and a 2008 Leadership Awards. In 2002 he was bestowed the “Hero Award” by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

Hayes is active in his community, currently serving on the board of Faith Tampa Bay, Tampa Port Ministries, New Harvest Missions International and Operation Light Force and as an advisory council chairman for the Pinellas Technical Education Center. He is an advisory board member for Abe Brown Ministries, Pocket Testament League and a current committee member of Somebody Cares Tampa Bay.

He is a member and past board member of the Tampa Bay Advertising Federation and he is a member of the Westshore Alliance and the Tampa Downtown Partnership. He participates annually in the Great American Teach-In for elementary school children.

He is presently a member of The C12 Group, Gideons International, Lifework Leadership and of Riverside Fellowship, where he’s held positions of trustee chairman, church council member and various leadership positions. Richard has also held leadership positions with Magnolia Valley Fire Department where he served for five years as a firefighter, board member and tactical training officer.

Richard resides in New Port Richey, Florida. He has been married for eighteen years to his beautiful wife, Lisa, and is the proud father of two exceptional sons, Chandler William (14) and Mitchell Aidan (10). The Hayes’ are foster parents to a wonderful three year old boy.