Baird has been in financial technology space for over three decades.  Her credentials cover retail bank software for community banks, employee benefit recordkeeping, and investment performance and reporting for community, regional and the top firms nationally.  She has led development teams delivering state of the art bespoke reporting technology, managed the hosting of technology for top tier national firms as well managed the businesses for extending those firms back-office capabilities.

Baird is bringing her business acumen to her newly appointed role as Managing Director for First Rate Vantage, First Rate’s Alternative Asset Management suite of solutions acquired in 2021. Her longevity and experience in leading and growing a business has made the transition to alternative investments a natural shift. She is taking her ability to simplify complex challenges, create efficient workflows, and maximize resources to add value to the alternative investment industry in an innovative and strategic way. She will provide the strategy and execution of First Rate Vantage solutions to the Venture Capital, Private Equity, and Real Estate market segments. These solutions include deal management, fund-raising, partnership accounting, fund accounting, as well as an investor portal.

Baird is committed to her community and serves on the board of both the Levitt Pavilion and formerly of the Arlington Life Shelter.  Outside the office, she is a watercolor artist and potter and leads worship each Sunday with her husband.

Baird graduated from Augustana University in South Dakota. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management.