With 38 years in higher education, Chris Haines has led educational initiatives designed to support marginalized and at-risk populations to reduce barriers to access, such as the Hannelly Center One Stop Enrollment Center at Phoenix College and launching scholarships for DACA/Dreamer students. While coaching women’s sports at South Mountain Community College, she realized many of the players required flexible schedules to participate and she adjusted practice times to accommodate everybody. During the summer of 2020, the campus community was hurting from the tragic death of George Floyd. She held multiple town halls, and encouraged everyone to share their experiences. She quickly launched an extensive diversity, equity and inclusion committee to engage and support the campus community.

She serves on the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Community Celebrating Diversity, East Valley Think Tank, City of Scottsdale Education Committee, Scottsdale Coalition of Today and Tomorrow (SCOTT) and Arizona Happy Tails Dog Rescue.