Christopher Huff

In April 2022, Chris Huff became the Diversion and Reentry Policy Analyst at Access Living, a Chicago-based service and nonprofit advocacy organization for people with disabilities. Chris leads policy efforts in this role to support people with disabilities impacted by the criminal legal system.

Before joining Access Living, Chris led citywide community organizing efforts for Heartland Alliance’s READI Chicago, which aims to reduce gun violence through cognitive behavioral interventions, employment, and wrap-around social services for high-risk individuals. In addition, Chris helped lead student civic engagement efforts at the University of Chicago’s University Community Service Center, where he designed and developed social justice-based cohort programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Through his work at the Vera Institute of Justice, Chris also led formerly incarcerated youth in developing policy and program recommendations for the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. Last but certainly not least, Chris worked with the University of Chicago – Institute of Politics, advising UChicago students on ways to use their educational experiences to engage in social justice efforts on Chicago’s Southside meaningfully.

Chris has served on the board of Chicago Votes, a nonprofit organization committed to empowering young people and engaging them in the political process, and on the Cook County Detention Center board, where he supported efforts to eliminate solitary confinement.

Chris has a bachelor’s degree in political communication and economic development from Oglethorpe University and a master’s in social work from the University of Chicago.