Bon Secours Mercy Health Names Shon Baker Chief Philanthropy Officer

Bon Secours Mercy Health names Shon Baker foundation president, chief philanthropy officer
Veteran philanthropy executive will strengthen donor partnerships to advance the ministry's mission, extend its impact and support continued growth

CINCINNATI, Ohio (Nov. 10, 2026) - Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) announced that Shon Baker, Ph.D., will join the ministry as foundation president and chief philanthropy officer, effective Nov. 16.

Reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer John M. Starcher, Jr., Baker will lead ministry-wide philanthropic efforts to advance BSMH's mission and strengthen access to affordable, quality healthcare for associates and the communities it serves.

Baker brings more than two decades of experience in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, with a career spanning senior roles across healthcare and academic organizations. She is known for building meaningful relationships and harnessing philanthropy to create lasting impact for institutions and the communities they serve.

"Philanthropy plays a critical role in helping us advance our mission and meet the evolving needs of the communities we serve," said Starcher. "As healthcare organizations navigate significant financial challenges and uncertainty, the role of philanthropy has never been more important. Shon brings exceptional experience in healthcare philanthropy, a deep commitment to building relationships and a proven ability to connect donors and communities with opportunities to make a meaningful difference."

Baker succeeds Tim Koder, who will retire after 13 years leading the BSMH Foundation, remaining with the ministry through December to support a smooth transition.

Building on the many accomplishments of Bon Secours Mercy Health Foundation, Baker will provide strategic leadership for its long-term vision, priorities and performance as the ministry continues to grow. She will oversee the foundation's operating budget, resource allocation, philanthropic revenue strategy and comprehensive fundraising portfolio, including major gifts, planned giving, grants, campaigns and events. In the first half of 2026 alone, the foundation generated $43.7 million in donations and grants and directed more than $36.2 million in philanthropic support to patients, associates, medical education, community health initiatives and other mission-driven programs across the ministry. Baker will work closely with system and market foundation boards and community leaders to advance strategy and performance while ensuring the responsible stewardship of donor resources.

"I am honored to join Bon Secours Mercy Health and its long tradition of service to communities and commitment to improving health outcomes," said Baker. "Throughout my career, I have seen the tremendous impact philanthropy can have in advancing patient care, innovation and community well-being. I look forward to partnering with donors, foundation leaders, associates and community stakeholders to build on this strong legacy and advance the ministry's mission for years to come."

Baker joins BSMH from Ochsner Health in New Orleans, where she most recently served as system vice president and chief development officer. In that role, she led philanthropic strategy, connecting donors and community partners with opportunities to advance patient care, medical innovation, research, education and transformational programs across the organization.

Prior to Ochsner Health, Baker held a philanthropic leadership position at Woman's Hospital in Baton Rouge. She also has a long history of civic and nonprofit engagement in the New Orleans community, serving in leadership capacities with numerous organizations and chairing signature philanthropic events benefiting cultural, preservation, educational and community-focused causes.