People on the Move: Jewish Alliance of RI Names New President / CEO

People on the Move: Jewish Alliance of RI Names New President / CEO

The Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island has named a new president and CEO.

 

“After an extensive national search, the Board of Directors has unanimously selected Steven A. Baker as the organization's next President & CEO. Steven will begin his tenure with the Jewish Alliance on July 1,” said the announcement.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

 

Baker is an accomplished nonprofit executive with 19 years of leadership experience in philanthropy, community programming, and organizational development. He has a proven track record of building high-performing teams, driving transformational fundraising results, and advancing impact across both the Jewish and broader nonprofit sectors.

 

“We are thrilled to welcome Steven to Rhode Island,” said Marisa Garber, Board Chair of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island. “His visionary leadership, deep commitment to Jewish values, and proven record of strengthening communities make him the ideal person to guide the Alliance into its next chapter.”

 

Baker will relocate to Rhode Island from Minneapolis, where he served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation. His work in the Jewish community began in 2007 as Regional Director for BBYO in Phoenix, Arizona, before he went on to serve as a Program Officer at the Jewish Community Foundation of Southern Arizona. He then went to Colorado, working with education and environmental nonprofits before finding his way back to Jewish communal leadership at JEWISHcolorado, the statewide Jewish Federation there.

 

“This is an enormous opportunity for the Alliance and the greater Rhode Island Jewish community,” said Harris Chorney, Interim CEO. “Steven will champion the Alliance’s mission of supporting and cultivating a connected, strong, and inclusive Jewish community while helping to shape its future growth and impact.”

 

Baker earned a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, with a specialization in nonprofit management. He is a Fellow of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation’s Executive Leadership Program and a Certified 21/64 Family Philanthropy Advisor, reflecting his deep commitment to leadership development and philanthropic excellence.

 

“My commitment to Jewish life, peoplehood, and Israel is both professional and deeply personal,” said Steven Baker. “Jewish community is where I have found meaning and belonging—from BBYO, summer camp, and Israel experiences to a career devoted to strengthening Jewish life locally, nationally, and globally. I am honored by the opportunity to partner with the Board, professional team, and community to guide the organization into its next chapter of growth while honoring its values, legacy, and central role in Jewish life in Rhode Island.”