Chandler, Ariz. – Chandler Councilmember Christine Ellis has been appointed Chair of the Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee at the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG).
Ellis, who previously served as the committee’s Vice Chair, will lead work to bring together local governments, service providers, community partners and regional stakeholders to identify needs, advance collaborative solutions and improve outcomes for residents.
“I am honored to serve as Chair of the Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee and advance the work that makes a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” said Councilmember Ellis. “Strong communities are built when cities, service organizations and residents work together to address challenges with compassion, innovation and purpose.”
The MAG Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee includes up to 22 members and focuses on regional human services planning. Its work includes identifying priorities, considering projects and supporting action teams that carry out initiatives with defined scopes, timelines and measurable deliverables.
Ellis brings more than three decades of experience in health care, social services, and community outreach to the role. She is a registered nurse who recently earned her Master of Nursing after completing the Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program at Walden University. She serves on the Arizona Board of Nursing, has held leadership positions including Director of Nursing and taught certified nursing classes at Arizona community colleges. She founded and operated Cedar Sanctuary LLC from 1998 to 2015, offering families an alternative care option for loved ones.
Her longstanding community service includes more than 25 years supporting ministries that provide food and spiritual support to people experiencing homelessness in partnership with other Arizona ministries.
Ellis began serving on the Chandler City Council in January 2021. She also represents Chandler through the National League of Cities, where she serves on the Women in Municipal Government, National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, Human Development Committee and University Communities Council. In addition, she serves as Vice Chair of the National Haitian American Elected Officials Network Executive Board.