CINCINNATI, Nov. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 philanthropic leadership positions at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge and Xavier University of Louisiana. 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.
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About Bon Secours Mercy Health
Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) is a global Catholic health ministry in the United States, Ireland and the Philippines. A $14 billion organization, BSMH delivers care and health services through 48 hospitals and a network of approximately 60,000 associates, including 3,000 providers.
BSMH is one of the largest health systems in the United States and the largest not-for-profit private healthcare provider in Ireland. Its diverse portfolio of companies includes advisory and technology-enabled solutions that strengthen clinical quality, operations, data capabilities and financial performance.
Rooted in the compassionate ministry of Jesus, BSMH is committed to improving health and well-being and bringing good help to those most in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Through community investment, access initiatives and efforts to address social drivers of health, the ministry extends its impact beyond its facilities. Through Global Ministries, BSMH also partners locally to support underserved communities in Haiti, Peru, South Sudan and the Philippines, strengthening health, resilience and opportunity.
For more information, visit bsmhealth.org and follow Bon Secours Mercy Health on social media.
Contact Info
Bon Secours Mercy Health
pr@bsmhealth.org
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