[Archived] Don Hayes Appointed Acting Alexandria Police Chief

­­For Immediate Release: June 10, 2021

City Manager Mark B. Jinks has announced the appointment of Assistant Chief Don Hayes as Acting Chief of Police for the City of Alexandria, effective June 25. Hayes succeeds Chief Michael L. Brown, who is retiring. 

“Chief Hayes’ 40 years of experience leading various aspects of the Alexandria Police Department and long-standing connection to the community make him the right choice for this Acting Police Chief role,” said Jinks.

Hayes joined the Alexandria Police Department in 1981 and achieved the rank of sergeant in 1996, overseeing the community-oriented policing and internal investigations sections. In 1999, Hayes was promoted to lieutenant and led the special operations, information services, and public services divisions. He was promoted to captain in 2013 and served as patrol commander, in addition to heading the parking enforcement, traffic, special events, and community relations divisions. He was promoted to assistant chief in 2019 and has since used his diverse experience to oversee all parts of the Police Department.

An Alexandria resident for nearly 30 years, Hayes is an active member of an array of organizations serving the community through youth empowerment, diversion, and offender’s aid programs, while also serving as lead pastor of Oakland Baptist Church. He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Johns Hopkins University, a master’s degree in divinity from Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bowie State University. Hayes, a graduate of the FBI National Academy, has earned numerous certifications, and is an active member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; and the FBI National Academy Associates.

For media inquiries, contact Kelly Gilfillen, Acting Director of Communications and Public Information, at kelly.gilfillen@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4644.