Chanda Smith Baker

Chanda Smith Baker is an experienced CEO with proven success in leading complex organizations, Chanda is recognized for her strategic leadership, creating and implementing innovative solutions that engage stakeholders with a focus on advancing racial equity and broadening social impact. The host of the award-winning podcast, Conversations with Chanda and sought-after speaker, Chanda’s expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion is recognized nationally. She is the Founder and CEO of Smith Baker LLC., an executive coaching and strategic consulting firm offering an particular expertise in philanthropy, organizational leadership, board governance, executive coaching services.

In Chanda’s most recent role as Chief Impact Officer at the Minneapolis Foundation, a $1B+ community foundation, she was recognized for her compelling work in cross-sector partnerships. She was instrumental in the development of the organization’s strategic framework which resulted in forward leading strategies which have gained national attention. Previously, as the President and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, Chanda had leadership responsibility for P&L and growth strategies. She orchestrated the successful launch of new business ventures including a health and wellness integrated grocery store, North Market and acquired a newspaper focused on community narrative and reporting. She is extremely proud to be a founder and co-founder in residence of the Black Collective Foundation: an effort that launched in 2020 to response to the murder of George Floyd and subsequent uprising.

Chanda has served on numerous boards and advisory committees including serving on the Federal Reserve Bank of Minnesota community advisory board and Super Bowl Host Committee. Her current assignments include: Allina Health, Allina Health Foundation Board (Chair), The Joyce Foundation (Audit Committee), The Women’s Foundation of Minnesota (Chair) and National Association of Corporate Directors MN Chapter.

Chanda’s accomplishments has been chronicled by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Essence, and the Mpls/St Paul Business Journal. She is the recipient of several awards, including Women in Business, The “real” Power 50, Hubert H. Humphrey Leadership Award and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Concordia University in St. Paul Minneapolis.