Baker Ripley Executive and Leadership Team

Vicki Hitzhusen, the Chief Financial Officer at Baker Ripley, manages the fiscal health and long-term economic sustainability of the organization. Overseeing all budgetary planning, Hitzhusen ensures that charitable funds reach community programs with maximum efficiency. The Chief Financial Officer directs financial reporting, audit compliance, and resource allocation across the entire Texas network. By maintaining rigorous oversight of capital expenditures, Vicki Hitzhusen protects the financial integrity required to support diverse service sites. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to align fiscal strategies with the broader mission of community development. Through precise financial modeling and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary funding to sustain operations. Hitzhusen drives fiscal transparency, ensuring that every dollar contributes directly to the educational and social initiatives that define the organization's impact on the region.

Kate Birenbaum, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer at Baker Ripley, governs the operational execution and legal compliance of the entire charitable network. Overseeing the daily functionality of service sites, Birenbaum ensures that all programs adhere to regulatory standards while meeting community needs. The Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer directs risk management strategies and manages complex legal contracts to protect the organization's interests. By streamlining operational workflows, Kate Birenbaum optimizes the delivery of educational and social resources across Texas. This dual-function role involves balancing administrative efficiency with strict adherence to non-profit governance requirements. Through proactive legal oversight and operational leadership, the Chief Operating Officer & Chief Legal Officer maintains the stability of the organization. Birenbaum drives organizational growth by ensuring that every service site operates within a framework of legal safety and operational excellence, directly supporting the mission of community empowerment.

Regina Harris, the Chief of Staff at Baker Ripley, coordinates internal communications and streamlines executive decision-making processes. Managing the daily operations of the leadership office, Harris facilitates cross-departmental collaboration to ensure organizational goals remain synchronized. The Chief of Staff monitors project timelines and tracks the progress of community-focused initiatives across the Texas service network. By optimizing administrative workflows, Regina Harris enables the executive team to focus on high-level strategic planning and community engagement. This role involves managing sensitive stakeholder relationships and ensuring that internal policies support the charitable mission. Through effective communication strategies, the Chief of Staff maintains alignment between the various service sites and the central headquarters. Harris drives operational excellence by removing bottlenecks and fostering a culture of accountability, ultimately ensuring that the organization delivers consistent value to the populations served throughout the state.

Evan Peterson, the Chief Information Officer at Baker Ripley, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support large-scale community service delivery. Overseeing the integration of data systems, Peterson ensures that information technology platforms remain secure and accessible for staff across all Texas locations. The Chief Information Officer directs the implementation of software solutions that track educational outcomes and resource distribution. By modernizing the technological framework, Evan Peterson enhances the ability of the organization to analyze community needs and respond with agility. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity protocols and maintaining the integrity of sensitive data. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the digital transformation of charitable services. Peterson drives innovation by aligning technical capabilities with the mission of providing education and resources, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of efficient, data-driven community support.