Our People

Rhonda Haynes is a trailblazer, mentor, and advocate whose work has transformed programs and opportunities across OCFA. A grandmother of four, mother of three, and wife, Rhonda brings dedication, passion, and vision to everything she does.

In her nearly ten years with OCFA, Rhonda has led transformative work across a variety of services. She played a key role in revamping the workers’ compensation program in partnership with OC Firefighters, Local 3631, the COA, and others — a project that dramatically increased the speed and quality of service for injured firefighters and is now widely regarded as a gold standard among public agencies. She also helped shape OCFA’s behavioral health and peer support programs, always quick to acknowledge the collaboration and dedication of her colleagues. “Developing these programs with the passionate and caring individuals at Local 3631 has been a rewarding experience that I will always treasure,” she says.

Rhonda is equally proud of her work with OCFA’s first Girls Empowerment Camp, where she helped ensure that girls and young women from all backgrounds know they are empowered to pursue a career in the fire service. Her passion for representation and mentorship began in childhood, inspired by seeing strong Black women on screen, including Cicely Tyson in the film Sounder. She also draws inspiration from her grandmother, mother, aunts, sisters, and the words of Maya Angelou: “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to mentorship, Rhonda Haynes has made a lasting impact on OCFA and the communities it serves.