Gary Hayes Retired December 31, Leaving Robust Legacy at CTAS

Gary Hayes, CTAS Manager of Field Services and County Government Consultant, has officially retired, effective December 31, 2020. He started his robust 40-year career in public service in 1980. Gary has consistently served Tennessee's counties in the southeastern region surrounding the Chattanooga area since he began at CTAS in August 1987.

Gary is a planner with prior experience at the Tennessee State Planning Office and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. He earned a bachelor’s degree in urban affairs and regional development at Austin Peay State University. His foundation in how local governments and their surrounding areas operate has been a boon for the counties he has served over the past three decades.

Many of you are familiar with Gary's quick wit and contagious sense of humor. He is always ready with a one-liner, paving the way to better relationships with our customers, and has continuously made our staff meetings memorable. Gary has been an excellent champion for county officials to ensure they are trained, knowledgeable, and efficient in their operations. Additionally, he has taught many classes over the years, most recently the internal controls series.

Gary has also been a champion for the rest of us at CTAS – batting for us as a part of the management team to ensure fair compensation and treatment. We are eternally grateful for his kindness and dedication to improving CTAS as a team.

While we will greatly miss Gary's enthusiasm for public service and his steadfast dedication to improving county government, we wholeheartedly celebrate his career and, finally, his very well-earned chance to relax. 

Please join us in celebrating Gary's career and wishing him the happy, relaxing retirement he has definitely earned. 

Jim Hart, CTAS Jail Management Consultant, has stepped in as Interim Manager of Field Services.