Chanda Smith Baker will officially step into the role as the Foundation’s next President & CEO on August 25, 2025.

Smith Baker will take the helm of Minnesota’s largest community foundation, which has granted over $2 billion to the community since its inception in 1940 and stewards $1.9 billion in charitable assets for community good. The Foundation is a trusted philanthropic partner for individuals, families and organizations statewide, providing more than 9,000 grants annually.

A seasoned executive and nationally recognized thought leader, Smith Baker brings deep expertise in aligning vital resources with community priorities and a steadfast belief in what’s possible when people unite around a common purpose.

Chanda joins the Foundation from Smith Baker; the organization she founded to cultivate leadership and drive transformative change across businesses and communities. She previously served as Chief Impact Officer at the Minneapolis Foundation and as Chief Executive Officer of Pillsbury United Communities. In these roles, she forged expansive partnerships with donors and community leaders to expand pathways to opportunity.

A visionary in community leadership, Chanda helped launch several groundbreaking initiatives, including the Black Collective Foundation MN — Minnesota’s first Black community foundation— and North Market, a full-service community grocery store and wellness center. Her exceptional work has earned numerous accolades, including recognition as a 2025 Bush Fellow. Through the fellowship, Chanda is focusing on wellness, deepening her leadership skills in service to the community, and strengthening her storytelling to influence positive change.

Chanda has long championed equitable, enduring institutions across our region and beyond. Her dedication to purposeful bridge building in collaboration with donors, nonprofit leaders and community members will undoubtedly enhance our ability to achieve the bold goals outlined in our new strategic plan.