Baker Ripley Executive and Leadership Team

Vicki Hitzhusen, the Chief Financial Officer at Baker Ripley, manages the fiscal health and long-term financial sustainability of the charitable organization. Hitzhusen oversees complex budgeting processes and grant management to ensure resources reach community programs effectively. By directing financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the stability required for regional operations across Texas. This leadership role involves rigorous auditing and compliance oversight to uphold the highest standards of fiscal responsibility. Vicki Hitzhusen drives the diversification of funding streams to support the expansion of educational and social services. Through the management of capital assets and endowment funds, the Chief Financial Officer secures the future of the organization. By providing data-driven insights to the Board, Hitzhusen enables informed decision-making regarding resource allocation. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar contributes directly to the mission of empowering local communities.

Kate Birenbaum, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer at Baker Ripley, governs the operational execution and legal compliance of the entire service network. Birenbaum architects the framework for service delivery, ensuring that all programs meet regulatory requirements while maximizing community impact. By overseeing the legal department, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer mitigates risk and protects the charitable status of the organization. This leadership role involves managing complex contracts and partnerships that facilitate regional expansion across Texas. Kate Birenbaum drives operational efficiency by refining internal workflows and standardizing service protocols. Through the integration of legal strategy with daily operations, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer ensures that all initiatives remain aligned with the core mission. By navigating the regulatory landscape, Birenbaum secures the operational continuity necessary for sustained community support. Ultimately, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer maintains the structural integrity of the organization.

Evan Peterson, the Chief Information Officer at Baker Ripley, directs the digital transformation of charitable service delivery across the Texas network. Peterson architects scalable cloud infrastructure to support the vast data requirements of community-based programs. By modernizing internal systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless connectivity between service sites and administrative hubs. This leadership role involves securing sensitive constituent information while optimizing software platforms for maximum efficiency. Evan Peterson drives the integration of advanced analytics to measure program impact and resource allocation. Through the implementation of robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects the integrity of digital assets. By aligning technological capabilities with the broader mission of the organization, Peterson facilitates improved access to education and support services. Ultimately, the Chief Information Officer maintains the digital backbone necessary for sustained operational excellence in the charitable sector.

Regina Harris, the Chief of Staff at Baker Ripley, coordinates executive workflows and aligns departmental objectives with the overarching mission of the organization. Harris manages high-level communications between the leadership team and the Board to ensure consistent strategic execution. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief of Staff enhances organizational agility across the Texas service network. This leadership role involves facilitating cross-functional collaboration to address complex community needs. Regina Harris drives the development of internal policies that support the charitable goals of the entity. Through the oversight of special projects, the Chief of Staff ensures that operational milestones align with long-term growth targets. By fostering a culture of accountability and transparency, Harris strengthens the internal governance framework. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff optimizes the daily operations of the executive office to maximize the reach and effectiveness of community resources.