The Chicago Association of REALTORS® (CAR) has hired Chelsea C. Hayes, SPHR, for a one-year role: head of social impact and strategy.

Now, she will be responsible for overseeing CAR’s external affairs department and developing a long-term strategic vision for that department, as well as the association’s diversity committee, called The 77, and their non-profit CAR Foundation. She also aims to, overall, increase the association’s presence in Chicago.

Before taking on this new position, Hayes served as a consultant to CAR for the last five years. She is also currently CEO at The Coaching Factory, a Los Angeles-based corporate training and development firm, and previously was the director of HR for the Los Angeles Sparks, a WNBA team.

“I am thrilled to join this thoughtful and influential team that is committed to building an association where everyone experiences wellness and belongs,” Hayes said in a press release. “I look forward to working alongside The 77 and Foundation to continue addressing key systemic social issues and centering underrecognized voices.”

“Chelsea has a proven record of innovative thinking coupled with the ability to execute,” added CAR CEO Michelle Mills Clement. “I am confident that she will further build upon our programs and harness the energy of our diverse group of volunteers.”