Senator Robert W. Hayes, Jr. Receives 2008 Excellence in Public Service Award
October 27, 2008
COLUMBIA, SC – October 27, 2008 – Long-time state Senator Robert W. Hayes, Jr. received the 2008 Excellence in Public Service Award given October 14 by the South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO) during SCANPO’s statewide 2008 Public Policy Conference. This prestigious award recognizes leadership for public policy initiatives and practices that significantly improves the lives or circumstances of the people and communities of SC.
“Senator Hayes is well-deserving of this recognition. He is a conscientious, accessible statesman who is principled and fully understands the needs of nonprofits. We are delighted and honored to acknowledge his many contributions to our state,” said Mason B. Hardy, president of SCANPO.
The Honorable Robert W. Hayes, Jr. of Senate District 15 in York County has served in the state senate since 1991. Prior to his work in the Senate, Senator Hayes served in the state House of Representatives from 1985-1991. Senator Hayes graduated from West Point where he served as President of his graduating class as well as Battalion Commander. He then went on to receive his J.D. degree from the University of South Carolina. Senator Hayes has been active with the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America and the Boys & Girls Club.
Senator Hayes serves as the Senate Co-Chair for the Legislative Arts Caucus as well as Chair of the Senate Education Sub Committee, K-12. An advocate of the arts, Senator Hayes co-sponsored the bill with Senator John Land for the Arts License Car Tag entitled “Driven by the Arts”. The revenue from these car tags will go to arts education programs at the S.C. Arts Commission.
Senator Hayes has long been a voice in support of increased funding for the South Carolina Arts Commission’s granting programs, especially those projects that are focused on arts education, general operating support for arts organizations and cultural tourism initiatives from across the state. Not only is Senator Hayes a true friend to the arts, education, and children, but to the non-profit sector as a whole. He and his staff are always accessible and as a Co-Chair of the Legislative Arts Caucus since 2001, we are proud to know that we can call on a true leader and public servant who places the arts as a high priority within his legislative agenda,” said Betty Plumb, executive director of the South Carolina Arts Alliance and SCANPO board member.
The South Carolina Association of Nonprofit Organizations (SCANPO) is the only statewide organization that brings together charitable nonprofits to strengthen the effectiveness of the state’s nonprofit community. SCANPO’s mission is to serve, support, and strengthen nonprofit organizations for a better South Carolina. For information on SCANPO, please call 803-929-0399 or visit www.scanpo.org.
