Like many native Texans, Christi Haley and her husband Perry have always carried a strong sense of Texas pride.After relocating to Manatee County following Perry’s internship as an agronomist—a scientist who studies plants and soil to improve crop production and sustainability—with golf courses on the West Coast of Florida, they initially thought they’d soon head back to Texas. However, they found themselves falling in love with the area and decided it would be the perfect place to raise their kids. A graduate of Sam Houston State University, Christi met Perry while attending Texas A&M and they’ve been happily married for 32 years. They are the proud parents of two children, Caitlyn & Randy and are excited to welcome their first grandchild in May. Volunteering has always been a family affair for the Haleys, and both children have developed a strong sense of service to the community.
Haley has consistently experienced a deep sense of purpose within her community, though when she first moved to Florida, she wasn’t sure what path she wanted to take. “I didn’t know anyone and was excited to explore opportunities,” she recalls. “After seeing a sign for Pace Center for Girls of Manatee, I thought I could make friends if I volunteered. However, Pace needed help and I was hired the next day!” Now serving as the Development Director at the Center, Haley explains that after just one visit to Pace, it’s impossible not to become deeply passionate about the organization’s mission. “Every girl who walks through the door has made the courageous decision to change her life, working hard to overcome the challenges that have stood in her way. It’s incredible to watch their progress as they reach their goals and find success. I’m honored to be there, cheering them on every step of the way.”
Hayley describes herself as a remote worker before it was cool to be one. “I left Pace when my daughter was born because I wanted to be home with her. Fortunately, the Board called and offered me the chance to work from home. Thirty years ago, it was a bit more challenging with barely any quality internet, but I’m so grateful I never missed a moment of my children’s lives. As they grew, my husband took one day off each week so I could spend that time in the office. While it wasn’t always easy, I truly had the best of both worlds.”
With deep involvement in the community, Haley also serves on the Board and acts as co-chair for the Community Services Committee of the Bradenton Kiwanis. This role allows her to actively volunteer and support a range of non-profits across Manatee County. “This past year, my husband joined me on a few projects, including building a playground for a local organization and helping install fire alarm systems in mobile homes,” she shares. In addition to her work with Kiwanis, she is a Manatee County Chamber Ambassador and serves on the Board of Tiger Bay of Manatee County. Her faith is a core part of her life, and she finds fulfillment in volunteering at North River Church, a role that brings her immense joy.
When she is not working, Haley loves spending time with family, traveling or just sharing a meal. “Everyone in my family enjoys the theater and with so many amazing venues in Sarasota, we can always find a great show,” she says. “My backyard is filled with flowers that I love and Schnoodles chasing each other, plus a koi pond (all the fish are named!) and 17 chickens that produce about a dozen eggs a day! Throughout my home, you’ll find both bluebirds and rubber ducks as I collect both,” she adds.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote by Margaret Mead resonates with Haley as Pace was started by one inspiring woman named Vicki Burke, $100 and a few family members cheering her on. She worked in juvenile justice and didn’t like the way girls were treated, she started Pace with 10 girls in Jacksonville. That was 40 years ago and now over 40,000 girls’ lives have been changed because of Burke, she explains. “Pace Center for Girls, Manatee was the second Center in the state, started by a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens who changed the world for countless families right here in our community. I’m proud to have worked for Pace for over 30 years and hope my dedication honors their efforts”
Haley is most proud of the Lucky Ducky Race for Pace because she feels that it brings the community together to change the lives of girls. “I love sharing that for just $5, you can make a real impact. We started this race 16 years ago with no idea how to race rubber ducks but were thrilled to ‘adopt’ over 4,000 ducks that first year. In the last two years, we’ve sold 30,000 and 31,000 ducks, and in 2025, we’ve set a goal for 33,000—which will make it one of the top 10 duck races in the country. It might seem quirky, but through the excitement of a giant rubber duck encouraging everyone to adopt a duck for the race, we’ve been able to change the way the community sees our girls and advocate for their needs. Every year, I’m in awe of the competitive spirit in the Best Dressed Ducks challenge and the dedication of around 100 volunteers who tag all 30,000+ ducks in just over an hour. And our amazing Duck Deployment Crew works together to safely race the ducks during this specQUACKular fun-filled event. This year, we’re especially excited to partner with the City of Bradenton to bring the event to the Riverwalk. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. Adopt a Duck . . . Help a girl!”
For those looking to follow in Haley’s philanthropic footsteps, she advises this: find your passion! Whether it’s animals, children, the arts, nature, curing diseases or even politics, there’s a place for you to make a difference. Share your talents and resources with a local non-profit that aligns with your interests. If you’re not yet sure where your passion lies, consider joining a service organization where you can build friendships, have fun, and help raise funds for those in need. SRQ Christi Haley was honored as a Good Hero by SRQ Magazine in December 2023.
Photography by Wes Roberts
