ASBURY PARK, N.J. - s4story -- Mercy Center, a nonprofit working to alleviate poverty in Asbury Park, is pleased to announce the appointment of former New Jersey Natural Gas executive Tom Hayes to oversee its future expansion efforts.

A highly regarded leader in community engagement and philanthropy, Hayes joined the Mercy Center team on March 10 as capital campaign director. In this new role Hayes will oversee all aspects of designing and executing a comprehensive fundraising initiative to build a new facility that will house Mercy Center's expanding food pantry, Family Resource Center social services and staff offices.

"Tom has been a driving force for community development and advocacy for decades," said Mercy Center Executive Director and former Lt. Governor of New Jersey Kim Guadagno. "His passion, experience, and deep-rooted connections make him the ideal leader to guide our capital campaign. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team as we work to expand our services and better support individuals and families in need."

Hayes said he is honored to join Mercy Center at such a transformative time. "The capital campaign represents a bold vision to create a central hub for vital services in Asbury Park and beyond. I look forward to collaborating with many incredible community partners and supporters to make this vision a reality," he said.

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Hayes recently retired as director of Customer and Community Relations for New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG), where he managed community outreach and corporate philanthropy, and initiatives supporting affordable homeownership, energy assistance, and volunteer engagement. Over his 35-year career with NJNG, he played a pivotal role in shaping economic development, customer relations, and charitable giving programs.

An architect by training, Hayes holds a B.S. in Architecture from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. He began his career in facilities management before pioneering NJNG's Economic Development Department in 1995. For the past 24 years, he has been at the forefront of corporate social responsibility, collaborating with nonprofit and community organizations to uplift communities across Monmouth, Ocean, and Morris counties.

Hayes has served on over 35 nonprofit boards and about 50 committees, earning many awards from local and national organizations for his dedication to service. A familiar voice in the community, he has hosted a cable television program and has been part of many local podcasts and radio shows, including 94.3 The Point's summer boardwalk program.

Returning to Asbury Park for this new role brings a personal connection for Hayes and his family. In the early 1990s, he and his wife Regina purchased and restored the childhood home of "Red Badge of Courage" author Stephen Crane, establishing a museum and community space that provided them firsthand experience in nonprofit operations, grant writing, and event planning.

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Guadagno said the campaign aims to generate community support that will strengthen Mercy Center's ability to serve individuals and families in the greater Asbury Park region facing food insecurity, economic hardship, and social challenges. In 2024, the food pantry nourished over 109,000 people, a 7,000 percent increase over four years. Mercy Center also provides tuition-free education for middle school girls at Sisters Academy of New Jersey on Springwood Avenue.

For more information about Mercy Center and its life-changing programs, visit the organization's website at  www.MercyCenterNJ.org.

About Mercy Center
Mercy Center, founded by the Sisters of Mercy, is a nonprofit charitable organization based in Asbury Park working to break the cycle of generational poverty. Our food pantry nourishes families, caring programs and services help stabilize them, and our Sisters Academy provides a quality education to put an end to the cycle of poverty, one child, one family at a time. See our mission in motion. To donate, volunteer or learn more about how we empower, enrich, and educate the people we serve, visit www.MercyCenterNJ.org.