Kara Hayes

Kara Hayes has a diverse work experience in various roles within the criminal justice system. Kara started their career in 1995 as a Senior Advocate in the Homicide Unit of the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office. Kara then transitioned to the Sexual Assault Unit as a Senior Advocate in 2000. In 2002, they became the Director of the Victim Witness Assistance Program, where they managed a team of advocates in multiple courts. From 2015 to 2019, Kara served as the Chief of Community Engagement, overseeing community relations and advising the District Attorney on various issues. In 2019, they joined Suffolk University as a Lecturer in the Sociology Department. Additionally, Kara has experience in restorative justice as an Instructional Coach and Trainer at the Center for Restorative Justice. Currently, they hold the role of Chief of the Victim Witness Assistance Program at the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.

Kara Hayes has a BA in English from Boston College, obtained between 1985 and 1989. Kara also earned a Masters in Public Administration in Public Policy from UMass Boston between 2014 and 2016. Kara completed a certificate program on Supporting the Well-Being of System-Involved LGBTQ Youth at Georgetown University from 2017 to 2018. Kara also participated in LeadBoston in 2013 and obtained a Core Certificate Program from Tufts University during 2021 and 2022. Additionally, Kara holds certifications in Victim Offender Education Group Facilitation Skills from the Insight Prison Project, and Narcan Administration from the Boston Public Health Commission.