Prior to joining CHCF, Gaines worked as a senior planning analyst for Sutter Health, a senior accountant and senior financial analyst for the University of California’s Office of the President, and a senior accountant for John Muir Health. She also has held several accounting and finance positions outside of health care.

Gaines received a bachelor of science degree in accounting and a master of business administration, both from California State University Hayward (now California State University East Bay).