Mary Hays has been working with Christian leaders of all ages, lay and ordained, for almost 30 years. Hays is currently the Canon to the Ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, providing executive leadership for the daily operations of the diocese, in support of the diocesan bishop. She continues as Canon Missioner to be responsible for congregational development, clergy deployment and leadership training in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Prior to these responsibilities, she taught in the areas of leadership and spirituality at Trinity School for Ministry for nine years and served parishes in Connecticut and Virginia.

Hays graduated from Smith College (A.B. in religion), Berkeley Divinity School at Yale (M. Div.), and Fuller Theological Seminary (D. Min.), and was ordained in the Diocese of Connecticut. (Deacon, 1983; Priest, 1984). She has been married to the Rev. Whis Hays for over 30 years. Whis founded and directs Rock the World Youth Mission Alliance.  They are the parents of two grown children, Kate and Dave.