Cliff was born and raised in Chesapeake where he attended Oscar Smith High School and went on to Norfolk State University, earning a BS in Management Computer Information Systems with a minor in Business Administration. He has spent much of his professional career in information technology.

Delegate Hayes currently serves as Chairman of the Communications Technology and Innovation Committee, as well as Chairman of the Joint Commission on Technology and Science. He was chosen by his peers to serve as chairman of the Hampton Roads Caucus. He is honored to have been chosen by the Richmond Technology Council as the 2021 Legislator of the Year. Previously, he has served as Chairman of the Chesapeake Democratic Committee and as a member of Chesapeake City Council.