With a background in accounting and finance, Jane Baird brings both experience and expertise to her role as treasurer for HCDP.
Collecting funds, providing financial statements, and reporting to the State Board of Elections are all key responsibilities of the treasurer, but Jane emphasizes the importance of ensuring that money is used efficiently. “Every dollar counts, and we want to spend as much as possible on things that make a difference, like getting out the vote for more progressive candidates.”
Originally from the Chicago area, Jane earned her degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and spent much of her career working for IBM. About 15 months ago she and her husband moved from Florida to Henderson County to enjoy the change of seasons and the beautiful natural spaces here.
“Soon after we got here, I signed up for the HCDP newsletter and saw that they were looking for a treasurer. In Florida, I’d been treasurer for a city commissioner, so I thought that would be a good fit for me,” she said. “It’s been nice to meet new friends and know that there are more people here who are passionate about democracy than you might realize at first glance. I’ve found my people.”
Jane also serves as treasurer for Friends of the Library, which she describes as an amazing organization, and she enjoys playing tennis as well as hiking with her husband.
“It’s good to be in North Carolina,” she said. “Florida has been going in the wrong direction and I hope to help North Carolina move toward a more progressive path.”