Kate Baker

Vice President and Treasurer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (retired)

Kate retired after serving as Vice President and Treasurer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Arizona (BCBSAZ). In that role, Kate led the BCBSAZ investment team, managing operating
cash as well as long-term investments for balance sheet portfolios for the company. She
also led the team responsible for strategic tax planning and compliance, risk management,
and the administration of executive employee benefits. She worked closely with BCBSAZ
General Counsel to advise executive management on regulatory, tax and investment
implications of strategic investments and other initiatives.

Kate began her career at BCBSAZ as the company’s Corporate Tax Administrator, moving
from her position as Tax Manager at Big 8 accounting firm Ernst & Whinney, Phoenix. Kate
was promoted through several other positions of increasing responsibility at BCBSAZ
before her assignment as VP & Treasurer.

Kate graduated from Reed College with a bachelor’s degree in history. She later
completed necessary coursework in accounting academics at Portland State University.
She attained Certified Public Accountant status in the State of Arizona.
Kate is a former President and current member of Tax Executives Institute, Arizona
Chapter. She was former chair of the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Association National Tax
Advisory Group, and is a member of AICPA, Arizona Society of CPAs, and former member
of the Association of Financial Professionals.

Kate has long volunteered in her Arizona community. She served as President, Board of
Trustees for Desert Botanical Garden 2011-13, and continues as a Trustee for The Desert
Botanical Garden. Kate has long been committed to education, with a focus on improving
educational outcomes for neediest Arizona students. She volunteered as a long time
Phoenix Board member for Teach For America (TFA). She served as Board Chair for TFA
Phoenix. 2015-17, and is currently an Emeritus Board member. She also serves as
Treasurer for the Board of Be A Leader Foundation.

Kate lives in Phoenix. She stepped down in 2023 from 8 years serving as an appointee by
Phoenix City Council to the City of Phoenix Audit Committee.