A Legacy of Grace and Stewardship: Honouring Barb Baker on Her Retirement

After 16 years of steady leadership, quiet brilliance, and transformative impact, Barb Baker, CMHA Edmonton’s long-time Director of Finance, is stepping into a well-earned retirement. Known for her elegance, sharp intellect, and calm presence, Barb has been a cornerstone of CMHA Edmonton through times of unprecedented growth and change.

From her very first day—when she humbly told then-Executive Director Ione Challborn, “I think I can help you”—Barb has done exactly that. She joined CMHA through a temporary agency, bringing a background in wealth management and financial leadership. It didn’t take long before her integrity, competence, and clarity earned her a permanent place at the helm of the organization’s financial operations.

Barb became the calm in the chaos. Whether navigating economic downturns, responding to donation slumps following national and industry- wide nonprofit struggles, or stewarding CMHA through the pandemic, she brought stability and grace to every challenge.

Under her guidance, CMHA Edmonton grew from around 50 staff to over 150 and is now preparing to move into its first-ever standalone building—progress made possible by Barb’s meticulous stewardship and unshakable diligence.

This year, Barb was honoured with the King Charles III Medal, a prestigious recognition for her exemplary service to the community. It was a fitting tribute for someone who has dedicated her professional life to financial excellence, organizational integrity, and public good. As always, Barb received the award with humility—quietly proud but more focused on the work than the accolades.

“She keeps the financial ship sound,” says Executive Director Giri Puligandla. “Every audit was clean, every budget carefully considered. Barb didn’t just manage money—she enabled growth. Her leadership gave us the freedom to dream bigger.”

Those who worked closely with Barb speak of her not just as a financial steward but as a mentor, confidante, and quietly inspiring force. “Barb is like a fine bottle of wine—wise, full of integrity, and only better with time,” says Marnie, Manager of Housing Services. “She brought wisdom, courage, and the kind of clarity that only comes from someone who is truly congruent in who they are.” Barb also has a great yet subtle sense of humour, “We talked about her ‘roommate’ mouse in her house and laughed for weeks about its antics.” Marnie added.

Nermine, who worked under Barb’s supervision for four years, recalls: “She let me do my job my way but was always there to support me. She was hands-off in the best way—trusting, thoughtful, and generous with her time. You knew she always had your back.”

Ami, from the operations team, shared how much she appreciated Barb’s practicality and compassion: “Even when I wasn’t reporting directly to her, I’d still go to Barb when I needed clarity. She just knew what to do—and she never made you feel silly for asking.”  Barb’s impact wasn’t only in spreadsheets and statements. Her colleagues describe a woman of elegance and warmth, with silver-white hair, a radiant smile, and a twinkle of humour in her eye. “You always felt calmer when Barb was around,” one staff member shared. “She has this grounding presence that reminds you everything is going to be okay.”

She made people feel welcome, seen, and supported. Cathy Wells, Executive Assistant, recalls being intimidated at first, only to discover a deeply caring mentor. “Barb brought steadiness. She taught me about boundaries and balance, and that it’s okay to protect your time.”

As a leader, Barb was never one to seek the spotlight. But her contributions were always clear—her quiet voice in a boardroom often carried the most weight. She believed in doing things properly, thoughtfully, and for the greater good. She held herself and others to high standards, but always with kindness.

Her legacy, as many shared, is the foundation she leaves behind: a resilient, ethical, and sustainable finance department; an organisation that’s stronger because of her; and a culture that values doing the right thing the right way.

Giri summed it up best: “My promise to Barb is that the financial discipline and moral clarity she gave us will endure. Her gift of stewardship will carry us forward. And we will accept nothing less than what Barb would expect.”

As Barb steps away from her spreadsheets and into a new chapter—one that includes family time, mystery novels, swimming, and perhaps coaching the Oilers from her living room—we thank her.

Thank you, Barb, for being our anchor, our compass, and our friend. Enjoy every moment of what’s next. You’ve more than earned it.