Kate Baker

Kate served as Vice President and Treasurer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (BCBSAZ). In that role, Kate led a team responsible for strategic tax planning and compliance, risk management, and the administration of executive employee benefits. She also led the BCBSAZ investment team managing operating cash as well as long term investments for balance sheet portfolios for the company. 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 in 1986.

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 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 on both The Desert Botanical Garden and as Vice President for DBG Foundation Board. Kate has long been committed to Teach For America, and serves as immediate Past Board Chair for TFA Phoenix. She also serves as Vice President for Act One.

Kate lives in Phoenix, and was appointed by Phoenix City Council to the City of Phoenix Audit Committee.