Katie Hayes

Katie Hayes has a diverse work experience in the home products industry. Katie started their career at Home Products International as a Product Designer, where they collaborated with the marketing team to create successful products for various retail channels. Katie then joined Sears Holdings Corporation, starting as an Associate Technical Designer and later becoming a Technical Designer. During their time at Sears, they also worked as a Designer, Product Development Manager, and Senior Product Development Manager, where they led the product development process, analyzed competitive assortments, and traveled for market and development trips. Hayes then moved on to Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, where they held the role of Senior Product Manager before being promoted to Director of Product Management for Fittings. Katie'swork at Gerber focuses on product management and leadership.

Katie Hayes has a BFA degree in Industrial Design from the University of Illinois Chicago, which they obtained from 2001 to 2004. Later, from 2008 to 2012, they attended the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, where they earned a Certificate in Sustainable Design.