Gene Hayes is the Senior Vice President of Regional Operations at Western Governors University (WGU), based in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this role, Gene oversees strategic initiatives that expand WGU’s national footprint, elevate brand awareness and credibility among influencer constituencies, secure mutually beneficial alliances across various strategic sectors, and enable economic mobility for alumni. Prior to WGU, Hayes was the founding international director at BYU-Pathway Worldwide, where he oversaw expansion to over 150 countries serving thousands of students. Throughout his career, he has held multiple roles within the education sector, including at an education startup and the Apollo Education Group. Hayes started his career with Intel Corporation, where he held several roles of increasing responsibility for several years. Hayes holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Brigham Young University and an MBA with an international emphasis from the Marriott School of Business. Hayes was born and raised in Oaxaca, Mexico, is a competitive squash player, and loves soccer, traveling, and learning about new cultures. He and his wife, Beverly, are the parents of five children.