During its 60th annual state conference, the Georgia School Nutrition Association (GSNA) installed Tift County Schools' Vanessa Hayes as its president for the 2015-16 school year.  A professionally trained chef, Hayes serves as Director of Tift County Schools nutrition program and takes the helm of an organization representing 6,000 school nutrition professionals statewide.

Hayes has a distinguished career, successfully managing school meal programs for more than 20 years, and is committed to ensuring student access to nutritious school meals while teaching lifelong healthy eating habits.  In her current role as school nutrition director of Tift County Schools, she helped implement the Community Eligibility Provision, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students grades K-12.  In addition to overseeing the programs in the district, Hayes coordinates the Seamless Summer Feeding program, working with local agencies and community groups to provide healthy lunches to students throughout the summer months while school is not in session. 

Hayes has also been instrumental in building a comprehensive farm-to-school program at Tift County Schools.  The district was recently recognized with the Golden Radish Award, a prestigious statewide distinction for efforts in farm to school.  Earlier this month, she participated in a Congressional briefing panel in Washington, D.C., to share perspective on the effectiveness of farm-to-school activities on teaching the importance of good nutrition.

“Vanessa embodies all the attributes of an excellent leader - she’s optimistic, motivating and fully engaged in our efforts to enhance the wellness of Georgia’s students,” said Susan Cheshire, executive director of GSNA.  “Her commitment, energy and wealth of experience will help advance our mission as dedicated school nutrition professionals to promote healthier lifestyles for students.”

Hayes shared her “We Are One” platform and strategic plans to unite GSNA members in their shared vision – enhancing the quality of lives of the students they serve.  In her role as a collaborative leader, she hopes to inspire continued advocacy efforts in support of childhood nutrition, farm to school programs and community partnerships. 

Prior to joining Tift County Schools, Hayes was school nutrition director for Dougherty County Schools and school nutrition manager with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.  She also served as nutrition specialist for Southwest Georgia Community Action Council. Hayes has held numerous GSNA leadership and committee positions, including serving as Education Chair, System Level chair and Conference Hospitality chair.

Hayes is a trained chef, holding a Culinary Arts degree from The Art Institute of Atlanta.  She previously owned a personal chef and catering business where clients included several NFL and NBA athletes.

Hayes earned her bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Valdosta State University.