Rebecca Bahar-Cook was elected to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees for an eight-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Bahar-Cook served 11 years as an Ingham County commissioner representing parts of the city of Lansing from 2006 to 2016. She also served on the Ingham County Jury Board and as chairperson for the Ingham County Board of Canvassers.
As CEO of Capitol Fundraising Associates, she consults with a wide range of nonprofit organizations and initiatives to help them strategize, develop, and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies. While most clients are human service organizations, Bahar-Cook has also helped raise funds to promote good government, such as MSU’s Michigan Political Leadership Program, a bipartisan fellowship that identifies individuals from across the state committed to community service and brings them together to engage in a public policy and leadership curriculum.
Bahar-Cook graduated with a multidisciplinary degree from MSU’s College of Social Science in 1992. An active member of the community, Bahar-Cook has served on many local and regional boards, including the UM Health Sparrow Specialty Hospital Board, Capitol Area Michigan Works! Workforce Development Board, Capital Region Community Foundation Board, Shaarey Zedek Sisterhood Board, Allen Neighborhood Center Board, and as president of the Rotary Club of Lansing (2024-2025).
Bahar-Cook was named the 2025 ATHENA Leadership Award recipient by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce in recognition of her professional excellence, deep commitment to community service, and her leadership in empowering and advancing women.
Bahar-Cook resides in East Lansing with her husband, Todd, and is the parent of two Spartan graduates.