Patricia V. Hayes, J.D., is a strategist, executive advisor, public speaker and career empowerment coach.  She is the owner of PVH Consulting Group, LLC, a strategy consulting, public policy, and leadership development firm where she supports executive-level leaders. A passionate advocate and community leader, Patricia is committed to issues affecting education, child abuse awareness/prevention, workforce development and women’s empowerment. Patricia is a 25-year veteran of the legislative and policy arena, where she served as a respected policy confidante and advisor to executive leadership in governmental, private and non-profit organizations. She served as the first African American and female Vice Chancellor in the Texas State University System. She has served on numerous community boards and committees including at the Center for Child Protection and Texas Legal. Currently she serves as Board Chair of the Community Advancement Network, Immediate Past Chair of the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce, on the Central Health Equity Policy Council, and as an E3 Alliance Blueprint for Educational Change Leadership Council member. A dedicated Girl Scout leader, she was awarded the GSUSA Volunteer of Excellence Award in July 2019. A licensed attorney, she graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from the University of Texas at Austin. She is married with two children.