Ruth Barker

Ruth Barker is a small business owner in Dedham, Mass., an active leader in a variety of civic and cultural organizations, and a former employee and longtime leader and supporter of FCD Prevention Works, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation's prevention arm based in Boston.

Barker worked at FCD in numerous roles prior to it becoming part of the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, serving as assistant to the director, client school coordinator, conference and special workshops coordinator, and prevention specialist. She also assisted with family interventions and adolescent evaluations. Since retiring from employment at FCD, Barker has continued to volunteer for a number of leadership roles there.

She also serves on the board of the Adwell Corporation, a family-owned company involved in real estate and farming and has previously served on the board of Care to Communities, the Parents Council of Connecticut College, the Headmasters Council at Brooks School and as president of the Parents Association on the Dedham Country Day School Board. In addition, she has served on both regional and national committees of the Garden Club of America and as president of her local club.

Barker, who also runs her own retail business, graduated from the Hotchkiss School and earned her bachelor's degree in business at the University of Colorado.