Ramona Baker | Nonprofit Executive Search

About Ramona

Ramona is an expert in nonprofit management. Her experience includes 30+ years as the chief executive officer for nonprofit organizations.  This includes the development of grants and funding programs, marketing research, and audience development. She has managed arts councils, theatre and dance companies, arts centers, and adjudicated grants to hundreds of organizations and individuals.

In addition to the arts and cultural industry, Ramona has also worked for nonprofits in healthcare, public policy, economic development, tourism, and higher education.

She is a frequent public speaker and addresses a range of topics including nonprofit Board development, Board and executive relationships, executive search and job recruitment, and organizational leadership.  Her public speaking has taken her throughout the United States as well as to China, Russia, Australia, England, Ireland, and Canada. She is the author of articles and monographs that address topics from the demographics of nonprofit leadership to legislative earmarks in public arts funding.

She has been involved with public policy at all levels including her work with the U.S. Conference of Mayors. She has also testified before the U.S. House Appropriations Committee in support of national arts funding.

Ramona has been the director of the M.A. in Arts Administration program at Goucher College for 17 years.  In this capacity, she also teaches graduate courses in Leadership and Nonprofit Administration, directs curriculum design, advises students, manages faculty, and supervises graduate research.

She has a Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas.

Some of Ramona's clients, as a consultant, coach, and executive recruiter include:

Ramona has served on a variety of nonprofit boards and chaired national conventions for clients including:

  • The International Visitors Association

  • The Indiana Sports Corporation

  • The National Film Association

  • Americans for the Arts

  • U.S. Urban Arts Federation

  • League of Historic American Theatres

FAQ’s

  • I work both in-person and remotely, and often the client and I decide to combine the two depending on whatever works most effectively for my client, their time, and their budget.

    For example, in Executive Recruitment, I usually do the first set of interviews remotely.  When the Search Committee and I have narrowed the list down to the top 2 or 3 candidates, I usually meet in person with the Search Committee and the final candidates.  All of my coaching is currently on line which is more convenient for my clients and allows us to schedule around their day.   In my Board Development work, I often meet remotely with a board before I do an in-person board workshop or retreat. 

  • As a former CEO, I know what the pressure of running an  organization feels like.  Having also taught graduate courses in leadership for over 15 years, I know the characteristics and qualities that leadership requires. 

    I have interviewed and hired hundreds of people to work in nonprofit organizations. I have an advanced detector system for BS.  My 30+ years of work with nonprofits has given me an extensive network of people. Having been both a CEO and a board chair with several nonprofits, I understand what people need in order to collaborate and do their best work.

  • I know I have benefited enormously from having had a coach myself, especially during times of change.  The best coaches listen, brainstorm, and put things in perspective.  The best coaches are frank advisors and lead with kindness. 

    When you are in the middle of a situation, it is often impossible to view your own situation in context.

  • We endorse with zeal and fervor Ramona Baker as an executive recruiter par excellence! Her professionalism, expertise, and unwavering support were indispensable to the success of our executive search process. We could not have navigated this challenging journey without her guidance, and we are immensely grateful for her contributions to our organization.

    Ramona’s extensive knowledge and experience in the non-profit world were evident from the outset. She demonstrated a calm and composed demeanor throughout the process, assuring the board members and stakeholders alike. Her experience allowed her to convey sage advice all along the way. Ramona’s accessibility and willingness to address our queries and concerns promptly made her an integral part of our team. Her dedication and attention to detail saved the board valuable time and ensured that only the most qualified candidates were considered.

    She facilitated a seamless and productive experience. Her involvement during the critical final interviews was instrumental in fostering open and constructive discussions among board members, enabling us to make well-informed decisions.

    Katina Asbell and Odessa Archibald

    Co-Chairs, Board of Directors, Atlanta Contemporary

  • After our founding Executive Director resigned for health reasons, our new ED was faced with staff and community members who seemed unwilling to give her a chance.  As a board, we failed to recognize the situation until it was almost too late.  Hiring Ramona to coach the new ED made such an enormous difference that we also engaged her to coach the board through the changes. She may have saved our organization from collapsing. Ramona was patient, understanding, and generous with her advice and expertise.

    Vice Chair of Board, Jacksonville, FL

  • Ramona was enormously helpful in our search for a new managing director for Metro Theater Company.  Ramona’s knowledge, perspective and ability to engage effectively with staff and volunteers built our confidence as we took this important step.  She brings an energy and enthusiasm to the process that lifts and engages everyone involved.  Ramona’s guidance and counsel were pivotal in our ability to identify, cultivate and ultimately hire a fantastic new managing director.  

    Leslie Peters

    Chair of Search Committee, Metro Theater Company

  • When I gave the commencement address at Wesleyan College, I chose Ramona Baker as my speaking coach. She understands what works; is focused, disciplined, and patient; and, as a wonderful “storyteller” herself, has a pitch- perfect ear. In the end, my speech was exactly right. Best decision ever.

    Janice A. Mays

    Chief Counsel, Committee on Ways & Means, US House of Representatives

  • Ramona Baker offers the winning combination of expertise, on-the-ground experience, penetrating perception, a sensitivity to local identities, and an engaging wit.

    Her ability to listen, to absorb multiple perspectives, and to form helpful strategies resolved very complex logistical and long-term issues for the arts community in Jackson and helped us imagine a future which benefits us all.

    Betsy Bradley

    Director, Mississippi Museum of Art

  • Ramona Baker is one of the most skilled facilitators, speakers and planners working in the nonprofit arts world today. She is grounded in the real experiences of how the arts operates in our communities.

    Ramona is connected nationally to a network of successful arts program and most importantly, she gets the job done. Her style mixes no-nonsense advice with brilliant southern charm.

    Janet Brown

    Former Executive Director, Grantmakers in the Arts