Who We Are
Dot Hayes | Director & Trustee
Dot, Jason’s mother, is the managing director of the Jason Hayes Foundation and driving force behind the its creation. She is passionate about helping children who have been in foster care or have been adopted as she knows firsthand the struggles they face. She hopes that the Foundation can make a small difference in the lives of even a few children.
She holds a Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology and has counseled victims of domestic violence and coordinated/facilitated groups for parents of adoptive children.
She is also the Vice President and Human Resources Director for a Massachusetts real estate firm.
Mike Hayes | Board Member & Trustee
A successful businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Jason’s father, Mike, has worked tirelessly on behalf of many non-profit organizations including food pantries, children’s charities, and shelters.
He was voted 2005 Citizen of the Year in Medford, MA for his altruistic endeavors and is a past president of the Medford Kiwanis Club, an organization which provides fundraising, community services, and assistance to enrich the lives of children worldwide).
Additionally, he is a member of Easter Seals, an organization that strives to improve the way in which people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work, and play. He contributes years of practical business experience and expertise to the Foundation.
Tara Finnegan | Board Member
Tara Finnegan is a professional nonprofit financial consultant with over 13 years’ experience in the nonprofit sector. She works with various nonprofit organizations to create financial systems, manage grants, train staff, and build financial policies and infrastructure. In addition to the Jason Hayes Foundation, Tara serves on the board of Generations Incorporated, a Boston based organization that strives to improve the literacy skills of young children through Grade 3.
As Jason’s older sister, Tara grew up with an intimate knowledge of the issues Jason struggled with. Her experiences and understanding of Jason lead her to complete a year of service with AmeriCorps *VISTA and to eventually begin work in the non-profit sector. She holds a B.A. in Financial Economics from St. Anselm College and an M.A. in Urban Economics from Northeastern University.
Tara has two sons, Jason (named in honor of Jason) and Owen, and a daughter, Riley.
Alanna Spada | Board Member
Alanna, Jason’s cousin, contributes her years of experience in financial planning and business administration.
She holds an MBA in Business Administration from Bentley College and is currently a Planning and Administration Manager at BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Alanna has a son, Dominic Jason (named in honor of Jason), and a daughter, Colette.