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There are two typical avenues where people come to serve OSB. They are introduced to the school through their children's needs, or they enter its orbit through the introduction of a friend.
Nancy Baron-Baer was nearing retirement from a long and successful career in real estate law and later, as regional director of the Anti-Defamation League. “What’s next???” she pondered aloud to longtime friend Marjorie Stein as they rode the train to Center City one day.
“She said: You’re going to have more time on your hands, why don’t you consider joining our board,” Baer recalled.
Other than having attended a few events, Baer says she knew very little about the school. She did know a little about the blind community however: Her father had long volunteered with a local agency servicing the blind, and her daughter was a volunteer tandem guide for visually impaired runners.
She also knew her friend and had listened over the years as Stein detailed her passionate involvement with the school. After doing some research on her own, she concluded that OSB “was an excellent place to give my time.”
So, in 2020, she joined the Board. Currently, she serves on the instruction and facilities committees. Additionally, Baer is among a select group of trustees working on the groundbreaking Taking Flight Campaign.
She sees OSB as a chance to support a singular cause and serve a particular population.
“This [OSB] feels more intimate and I’m hoping I can have a direct impact,” she said.
Prior to her 15-year sting with the Anti-Defamation League, Baer built a successful career in real estate law, and became one of Philadelphia’s few women to be named partner at a major law firm. With experience in profit and non-profit enterprises, Baer brings to OSB a varied set of skills that have already been applied in a number of ways. Her legal expertise in real estate makes her a logical fit for the facilities committee. Baer’s law training also provided an important voice when the school was establishing its COVID-19 policies. Her years at ADL, where she established strong business and community relationships, has shaped her work on the school’s campaign.
Baer holds a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and still enjoys learning and takes classes on a range of topics from art to politics. She stays connected to her professional work through an affinity group of retired nonprofit legal executives, and also works towards protecting voting rights through a grassroots organization.
Born and raised in Wilkes-Barre, she lives in Bala Cynwyd with her husband Stephen, also a retired attorney. Married for forty-five years, they have three adult children and two grandchildren.
Given that her board term began during pandemic restrictions, Baer is now looking forward to more engaging opportunities to serve and identifying her goals. “I’m here to be helpful and to move this mission forward.”
