Joe Hayes is a native and current resident of Newark, N.J. He began his aviation career during high school with a local youth aviation organization. He went on to complete his flight training and received his college degree from Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire. After college, Joe completed two airline internships and flight instructed before working as a regional airline pilot. Joe flew as a regional airline pilot until he was hired by United Airlines (pre-merger Continental Airlines) in 2006. During his time at Continental/United, he has flown the Boeing 737, 757/767, and Airbus A320.

Currently, Joe works as an Airbus 320 captain. Joe has been an OBAP member since 2005 and works diligently in the service of his fellow members. Joe and his wife Brittany have been married since 2013 and have a son.