A well-earned retirement: Baker works beyond her paid roles, as well. She has served as the accountant for the IEA Children’s Fund and as secretary/treasurer for the IEA Staff Organization.
She has also been an invaluable resource for countless IEA staffers and members, patiently answering questions, onboarding new employees and providing unwavering structure and support.
A little perspective: When Baker began working at IEA, George Bush was president, Cecil Andrus was governor of Idaho, the Exxon Valdez oil spill was in the news, a massive earthquake hit the San Francisco area, and Idaho’s population was still less than 1 million.
A send-off full of familiar faces: More than 30 people came to IEA Headquarters in Boise to attend Baker’s retirement party, including former IEA Executive Director Jim Shackelford and his wife, Janet; former IEA President Robin Nettinga; and former coworkers from the business office and beyond. Baker’s family was there, too: her husband, Wyatt; two of her four children, Caleb and Makenna, and her granddaughter. Shackelford served as emcee.
Praise for Venny:
- Tricia Waltner, the Western Region Organizing Center associate, worked with Baker for 32 years. “She’s always unerringly professional,” Waltner said. “She never makes you feel less — always helpful, always kind … she has been with IEA through many iterations, and she’s always steady. I don’t know what we’re going to do without her.”
- Loree Nasman, IEA’s membership associate, also worked with Baker for 32 years. “I appreciate Venny’s ability to be even-handed with complex situations, and looking deeper into situations rather than relying on what seems obvious and superficial,” she said.
- At her retirement party, Baker’s son, Caleb, gave a speech about his mom and her work at IEA. “Day after day, year after year, she showed me what it means to commit yourself fully to something bigger than yourself,” he said. “She worked with determination, integrity and heart — not just for her job, but for the people and the mission behind it.”
