Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Announces New CFO Appointment

AUGUST 28, 2017, NORWALK, CT – Fairfield County’s Community Foundation has announced the promotion of Joseph R. Baker to Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Baker joined the Community Foundation in 2011 in the capacity of Vice President of Finance and Administration.

During his tenure at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Mr. Baker has greatly improved the management of the organization’s financial reports providing greater transparency to the profit and loss of all of the Community Foundation’s programs and initiatives. He also developed a financial dashboard that monitors the health of cash flow and balance sheet, as well as the timeliness and quality of audits and 990 reports. He is a key liaison to the investment committee supporting a strategic change in the asset allocation and diversification of fund investment options for donors.

Juanita James, CEO and President, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation made the announcement of Joe Baker’s appointment stating, “Joe is a critical partner for me and our leadership team when we are assessing risk and opportunities while evaluating our community impact initiatives and programs. He has consistently been the champion of ensuring that I, along with our Board, execute our fiduciary responsibility to protect the financial sustainability of our organization.  I am delighted to make this announcement that Joe Baker will now be serving in the capacity of Chief Financial Officer. This is a well-deserved recognition of his significant contributions to our organization.”

Prior to joining Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Joe Baker had twenty-five years of experience in nonprofit finance, investments, fundraising, and development of community initiatives. In his previous position as director of finance and administration at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, he managed finances, investments and administration. Most notably, he created a parent-run community initiative, served as executive director of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford, and co-executive director of Fellowship Place in New Haven.

“I am honored and welcome this opportunity to develop financial strategies with our talented staff and committed volunteers that will increase opportunities and improve the lives of our neighbors throughout Fairfield County,” stated Joe Baker, CFO, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

Mr. Baker received his bachelor’s degree in Economics and Spanish from Colby College and his master’s degree in public and private management from the Yale School of Organization and Management, where he was awarded a Patricia Roberts Harris Public Service Fellowship. He is an alumnus of Phillips Exeter Academy.

A longtime resident of North Haven with his wife, Carmen and their three children, Mr. Baker teaches Sunday school at his church. He also enjoys succulent gardening and exercising.

ABOUT FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Fairfield County’s Community Foundation promotes philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds or contribute to existing funds. The Community Foundation is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards and has awarded over $212 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. As a trusted nonprofit partner and thought leader, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation brings together community organizers, business experts and philanthropists to solve our region’s challenges. Our goal is to create a vital and inclusive community, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.

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