Driven by a deep commitment to service, Global Employer Services Senior Manager Linda Baker has spent decades making a difference for others. "Throughout my life I have been an advocate for volunteerism – I strive to be, in Mr. Fred Rogers' words, 'a helper,'" she said.
That belief has inspired Baker's involvement with numerous nonprofits, including nearly 20 years of service with Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE), an organization that provides grants and support primarily to BIPOC-led nonprofits in Greater Pittsburgh. Through various roles including Chair of the Governance Committee, Board Secretary, Vice Chair, and Board Chair, Baker has helped strengthen PACE's financial sustainability while fostering connections that have expanded the reach of its vital programs.
“Through my board service, I’ve had the opportunity to form meaningful connections with leaders throughout Pittsburgh’s nonprofit and business communities,” said Baker. “I truly value being able to connect people – not just because it expands networks, but because it helps create stronger support systems for the organizations and communities we care about.”
One connection came full circle after Baker met professionals from a local financial institution at PACE’s signature event, Inclusive Voices. After inviting them to participate in BDO Pittsburgh office’s Emerging Leaders network and later introducing them to PACE leadership, the relationship ultimately led to their joining the PACE Board. The experience demonstrates how one connection can grow into lasting community impact.
In recent years, Baker has amplified her impact with PACE through two BDO Counts programs: Matching Gifts and Dollars for Doers. BDO Counts, the firm’s award-winning social impact program, empowers professionals to champion the causes they care about. Through these programs and more, our people and the firm contributed over $600,000 in charitable donations and impacted more than 1,000 organizations in 2025.
“Through the Matching Gifts program BDO makes every dollar I contribute more impactful,” said Baker of the program, through which eligible charitable contributions are matched dollar-for-dollar. When it comes to volunteering, professionals can leverage Dollars for Doers, which converts volunteer hours into credits that can be donated to eligible nonprofits.
Adds Baker: “With every volunteer hour, the Dollars for Doers program has provided additional financial support to PACE and other nonprofits that I volunteer with and am passionate about. It’s a wonderful way to provide additional resources to them and it truly shows that BDO supports the vital work nonprofits are doing in our communities.”
Baker (front left) and colleagues volunteer at a BDO Counts service event.
Baker (far left) at PACE’s annual Inclusive Voices event.