Chanda Smith Baker Takes the Helm of Minnesota's Largest Community Foundation

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation has announced a significant leadership transition with the appointment of Chanda Smith Baker as its new President and CEO. This decision comes after a careful selection process carried out by the Foundation's Board of Directors, during which Smith Baker was chosen for her extensive experience and demonstrated capability in community-focused leadership. She is set to officially commence her duties on August 25, 2025, following the retirement of the esteemed Dr. Eric J. Jolly.

Smith Baker stands as a strong advocate for community-led initiatives, emphasizing the need for nonprofits to work in direct response to local needs. Throughout her career, she has proven herself as a visionary leader, working to align essential resources with the priorities of the communities she serves. Her background includes founding an organization dedicated to fostering leadership and promoting transformative community change. She also held key roles such as the Chief Impact Officer at the Minneapolis Foundation and the CEO of Pillsbury United Communities.

One of her notable achievements includes the creation of the Black Collective Foundation MN, the inaugural Black community foundation in Minnesota, which aims to enhance philanthropic efforts within the state’s Black community. Moreover, she has spearheaded various initiatives, like developing a community grocery store and wellness center known as North Market.

In her own words, Smith Baker expressed her enthusiasm about leading the Foundation: “I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to serve as President and CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. This moment feels exceptionally personal to me. What has always resonated with me about the Foundation is its unwavering commitment to listening with compassion, humility, and intent.”

The Foundation has a rich legacy, having distributed over $2 billion to the community since its establishment in 1940. They currently manage $1.9 billion in charitable assets, granting more than 9,000 grants each year. The organization is renowned for its collaborative spirit, working closely with community members, nonprofit organizations, and donors to initiate impactful changes in society.

Dr. Joseph Lee, the Chair of the Foundation's Board, expressed his excitement about Smith Baker’s appointment, highlighting her impressive track record and her ability to unite individuals towards community-focused solutions. Lee emphasized the necessity of this leadership during uncertain times for the nonprofit sector. “Chanda brings not only a remarkable history of success but also a spirit of partnership and bridge-building that aligns seamlessly with the Foundation's mission,” he stated.

Chanda Smith Baker will inherit a legacy characterized by Dr. Jolly's transformative impact, which includes the merger of the Saint Paul Foundation and the Minnesota Community Foundation, launching a comprehensive strategic plan, and fostering community partnerships through the Informs, Forms, Benefits model. Jolly praised Baker's deep understanding of community dynamics and her innovative approach to problem-solving, certain that under her stewardship, the Foundation's essential work will not merely persist but thrive.

For anyone interested in community engagement and nonprofit leadership, Chanda Smith Baker's journey offers a beacon of hope and illustrates what can be accomplished when guidance is deeply rooted in understanding and cooperation.

For more information on the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation and their initiatives, visit spmcf.org.