The Community Foundation of Central Missouri announced the retirement of its executive director, John Baker Jan. 4. Baker is leaving his position after 13 years and says he will miss his wonderful coworkers the most.

“I will miss meeting with and working beside so many terrific people who work in the non-profit sector and donors who fund the broad array of non-profit work that helps improve lives here in central Missouri. I will also miss the annual rush that is CoMoGives in December,” he says.

Baker’s retirement announcement comes after a record-breaking fundraising year for CoMoGives, which collected more than $2 million to help fund non-profits across mid-Missouri.

As for what’s next, Baker says the CFCM Executive Committee has created a search committee, “and they hope to complete their work by lake March to very early April.” Baker’s last day is set for April 12.

Baker says while his journey at CFCM is ending, he plans to help the community even in his retirement. “I have numerous hobbies and interests, and I’m sure I’ll find new ways to serve my community.”